HSC STUDENTS at Bulahdelah Central School (BCS) have displayed the fruits of their year-long labour at Tea Gardens’ Galleries in the Gardens (GiG), opening an exhibition of their works on Saturday 22 November.
The works of Deanna Jenner, Lilli Clulow, Zarlii Ray, Paige Johnston, Nate Reitsma, Axel Case, Blake Taylor and Esra Hammerl are on display as they await their HSC marks, due to come out mid-December.
“The students have produced some fantastic work; we are very, very, very impressed,” GiG President Anne Stuart told NOTA.
“There has been a really nice, major influence of family and family history on their work, and [on] opening day we had several parents and staff from BCS attend.”
Blake Taylor’s ‘The Garden of Eden’ linocut series, based on the themes of life, rebirth and death, form his own adaptation of the Biblical story, for which he was awarded ‘winner’ of the exhibition.
“I am inspired by the style of Elizabeth Catlett and flora of Margaret Preston,” explained Blake.
“Anyone who has done linocuts can appreciate how much skill is involved to create a triplet of works like Blake has done, based on the themes of life, work and death,” Anne added.
Axel Case’s two large canvases, entitled ‘My Layered Life’, explore his identity and emotions, using abstract and creative techniques with bold colours to express all his feelings – an effort that got him ‘Highly Commended’ by the Gallery.
“I am inspired when I gaze up at a starry night and question and wonder about my place, my existence, my layered life,” said Axel.
Zarlii Ray’s artwork is a series of paintings based upon her own experiences as a volunteer with the Rural Fire Service, and she was awarded a Certificate of Merit.
“I was encouraged to join with my mum and dad, we have attended many jobs including fighting fires together, and my passion in that, is inspiration for these artworks,” explained Zarlii.
Nate Reitsma’s cardboard sculpture represents a family Coat of Arms as an interpretation of finding where he belongs, while Deanna Jenner’s layered digital prints with watercolour and ink patterns and lines symbolise the family link and bond her kin share.
Lilli Clulow’s mix of drawing, watercolour, ink and fine-liners take on a quirky cartoon-like appearance, and Paige Johnston’s work becomes an avenue for deep inner pain and grief in the face of losing a loved one.
Ezra Hammerl’s work is influenced by a special relationship with their grandmother.
By Thomas O’KEEFE
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