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CQU Creates 2021 art awards

Exhibition Catalogue

Welcome to the CQU Creates 2021 Art Awards. Following on from the success of the competition in 2020, we are delighted to again present the awards as an online competition. Now in its 8th year, the annual awards celebrate the artistic accomplishments of our students and staff, past and present. The competition is open to entrants with a connection to CQUniversity, regardless of their experience or education in art.

FOREWORD

This year we called on entrants to present works of excellence on a theme of their choice. We are thrilled by the standard and diversity of the work submitted by 48 artists. As well as paintings in oil, acrylic, watercolour and pastel, photograph and prints, we also received digital works, textile pieces, assemblages, wood works, glass art and jewellery. The themes addressed were also fascinatingly varied, including natural and urban environments, portraiture, Aboriginal legend, reflections on personal identity, play and learning, as well as struggles with isolation, health, gender and sexuality and concerns about global warming and environmental catastrophe, war and gun violence. The CQU Creates Art Awards honour those who enrich society with artistic expression and reflect CQUniversity’s ongoing commitment to contemporary art and artists. The University purchases works from living artists and builds audiences for contemporary art by displaying works across our campuses and sites and

lending pieces to public galleries. We prepare many students to contribute to society as artists through our varied courses in the visual arts, graphic design and multimedia, ranging from traditional art disciplines such as drawing, painting, printmaking and jewellery making to new media, along with professional skills to ensure creative student success after graduation. We offer TAFE and university qualifications from short courses, certificates and diplomas through to undergraduate, postgraduate and research higher degrees. The CQU Creates Art Awards are judged each year by a senior artist or arts worker from the community, and I thank this year’s judge, Veronika Zeil, for applying her experience and insight to this task. Thank you to all who have contributed to this project. I offer my congratulations to the artists for producing such outstanding works for this competition. Our entrants’ diverse backgrounds and interests have resulted in a compelling exhibition with a fresh view on life in 2021 and I hope that viewers will enjoy this noteworthy art. Professor Nick Klomp Vice-Chancellor and President CQUniversity Australia

Steven Bauer Draft V 12 2021 Necklace: sterling silver, opal, diamonds, sapphires, rubies 38 x 18 x 10 cm $3450 current student

Represents the developmental process of a literature review for a PhD study (many drafts are written). Aligned to the value of educational knowledge, materials of value have been employed in the artwork, that in the form of a question mark wraps the upper human body. Steven Bauer has an extensive history in design. Working with metals and gems, wearable art that expresses concern for the world, or communicates one’s life experience, is the inspiration for his sculptural pieces.

Carmen Beezley-Drake Sunset on lagoon 2021 Linocut and watercolour on paper 52 x 53 cm $800 past student

I have always enjoyed linocutting and superimposing the linocut over various washes and backgrounds gives a different aspect to the image. I have often seen the brolgas dance in such a setting. Carmen is attracted to the vastness of central-west Queensland, where she has long observed the changing landscape, from drought to lush pastures. Portraying the land’s textures, richness, vibrant colours and subtle changes of mood has been an ongoing passion. Sketches done at the scene become larger works until the image has an identity of its own and often has no more reference to the original sketch.

Joanna Beresford Frangipani 2021 Watercolour pencil on paper 29.7 x 42 cm $350 current student

The frangipani's small, aromatic flowers symbolise the joy of having year-long summers in Queensland. Joanna Beresford is currently a provisional research higher degree candidate in the School of Education and the Creative Arts. She grounds herself by observing and capturing the bright colours of the sub-tropics.

Brianna Brett Is this all I am good for? 2021 Fabric applique and collage, with watercolour, stitching, wire and beads 130 x 66 x 3 cm $200 current student

The artwork reflects the artist’s experience with dating in modern society. The piece delves into the artist’s struggle with accepting her physical form alongside her experience with intimacy and partners basing their worthiness of love, adoration and respect on the physical form. Brianna is a Mackay resident enrolled in a Bachelor of Secondary Education and hoping to study art as a teaching discipline. Brianna’s mixed media sculptural forms often include recycled, and op shopped fabrics, beads and decals. The artist has had physical and mental health issues. Her physical body has proved a vessel that promotes contempt, anger, frustration and confusion, but also immense love for surviving so much.

Andrea Chapman The goose ponds 2021 Watercolour on paper 29 x 21 cm $800 past student

There is something magical in those precious few minutes before the sun breaks the horizon. The light is soft and defused and one shape folds gently over and into another. The birdlife is beginning to herald the coming of a new day on their way to the water’s edge. Central Queensland artist Andrea Chapman describes her childhood in rural Queensland as the foundation for her love of life and the natural landscape. Through decades of art practice, Andrea has developed a plethora of ways to paint the visceral reaction to light. Andrea’s art practice is the culmination of the places she has visited, the influence of master and contemporary artists, and lived moments.

Elena Churilova Mangroves, high tide 2021 Oil on canvas 51 x 61 cm $1800 status

A quiet wave shows up nicely against the shadow under the mangroves. Curiosity and wonder toward the familiar helps discover how beautiful, precious and vulnerable nature is. Elena Churilova is an award-winning artist who works with oil, pastel, gouache and watercolour in a style combining reality and fantasy. Elena believes art is about pairing a good idea and skill and looks for a resonant concept in ordinary things. In 2006, Elena Churilova moved from Russia to Australia and completed her Master of Applied Science degree with CQUniversity in Rockhampton.

Dezlyn Coetzee Tranquillity 2021 Gouache on paper 15 x 22 cm $100 current student

A peaceful snapshot of the beach in Tannum Sands. Cat included. Dezlyn is currently completing her Bachelor of Accounting. She enjoys art as a hobby. She prefers watercolour but has recently discovered a love for gouache paints. Dezlyn enjoys using the local beach and sunsets in her artwork.

Patrick Connor The Ambassador and friends 2021 Digital artwork 26.5 x 39 cm $250 current staff

This image includes a painting of the late artist Peter Indans. Peter worked as an educator for both the CIAE and CQ TAFE. Also pictured is the author of both the portrait and this digital work. The image is reflective in nature and alludes to other paintings from art history. Patrick is an artist and educator who works for CQUniversity. This artwork seeks to visualise the artist’s reflection on his relationship with his late colleague and his journey as an arts educator.

Mounica Dantuluri A walk in the rain 2021 Acrylic on canvas 20 x 20 cm $50 current student

This work describes the peacefulness and solitude one can find when it rains, among the tall buildings and the hustle of the city. The painting has been solely done with palette knifes and acrylic paints. The variety of light highlights the lady walking amidst the dark buildings. Mounica is a current student based in Melbourne.

Shawna Fidler Larry – Larry 2021 Digital artwork 9.2 x 22 cm $100 current student

A computer-generated artwork, developed from a photograph, followed by a computer pencil drawing and Paint 3D. The half circles represent fish scales and add colour and depth. Larry is a wonderful source of inspiration with his shape distinguishable, streamlined and represented in pencil. To study is a worthwhile pastime. Learning is an endless possibility of events and applications which is enjoyed immensely. Larry has been a delight for the past nine years and gives unconditional support.

Therese Foley Winter in Oslo 2021 Acrylic on paper 41.5 x 25.5 cm $150 (unframed) past student

Created from an acrylic print sheet, I had painted for another canvas. I pictured a layer of bright colour against the stark black background and the market scene came to mind. There is nothing like being in Scandinavia in winter during the Festive Season, and this piece was inspired by a visit to the Oslo Christmas Markets. Therese began working in oils, painting mainly landscapes of her favourite places to visit. She has attended many workshops, learning to work with acrylic, watercolour and pastel. She has no favourite subject to paint, but is inspired by anything that evokes a memory or feeling of happiness.

Helen Friend Flowers on a hill 2021 Oil on canvas 61 x 50 cm $300 past student

The breeze picks up the essence of colour and tosses joy about. Helen completed her Certificate III in Visual Arts in 2019. She hopes that her works create or trigger a memory or feeling for the viewer. Helen loves to use oils, watercolour, ink and graphite. Flowers are Helen’s “go to subject” for painting, bringing joy and evoking memories.

Michelle Gray Emerge 2021 Effetre glass, sand, timber frame, resin 17.5 x 12.5 x 5.4 cm $240 current staff

We are all fighting to emerge. Sometimes it seems that just as we begin to feel we are breaking free, the forces pull us back into lockdown, to uncertainty, to instability, to yearning. Michelle has been making glass art for 20 years and has worked with Venetian master glass artists and has exhibited in Australia and internationally. Hand sculpted in soft Italian glass; this figure is fighting to emerge. The medium of glass evokes the delicate human duality of fragility and strength. The coarse pebble sand embodies the ever shifting and irrepressible environment in which we live.

Elisha K Habermann Isolation in thought 2021 Digital photograph 4032 x 3024 px $180 (print on demand A2 size) past student

This photo is almost metaphoric in representation. An accidental capture that alludes to far more than I ever intended. My partner Karl moved across the country five years ago to be with me, leaving his family far behind. I wonder how isolated he must feel at times. An emerging artist and writer in central Queensland, Elisha recently completed a Bachelor of Creative Arts at CQUniversity. Her work engages with themes of identity and relationships with others and the world around us. Elisha’s photos are often in black and white, with an applied grainy film filter and featuring texture and natural abstraction.

Christine Haigh The freedom to love 2021 Fibre-tipped pens and inks, spray paint, acrylic paint on paper $1200 current student

Portrays a lesbian or “women who love women” couple during a Pagan marriage ceremony. It aims to challenge traditional marriage conventions with the idea that everyone should have the freedom to love who they would like and how they would like to do it. Through her studies in a Visual Arts major in the Bachelor of Creative Arts at CQUniversity, Christine (Chris) has taken an interest in street art and in creating politically motivated art dedicated to the acceptance of LGBTQ+ relationships and individuals. Chris’s painting this year is also inspired by the street artist 'Banksy', making use of layered stencils with spray paint.

Ellise Haigh Cricket in the field 2021 Acrylic on wood 26 x 28 x 2.5 cm $380 current student

This autobiographical painting is part of a larger series recalling childhood memories of natural Australian landscapes and seeking to highlight the contemporary issue of Australian youth’s disconnection to nature. Based in Rockhampton, Ellise Haigh has explored many different mediums including the use of found objects. Currently, Ellise enjoys using techniques that stem from Australian Impressionist painters such as Frederick McCubbin. Inspired by the Australian Impressionists’ use of wood slices in place of canvases, she used a slice of camphor wood for this artwork.

Kirt Hainzer Hennings Lane, Austinmer 2021 Acrylic and fibre-tipped pen and ink on board 110 x 60 cm $500 current student

I use colourful shapes to represent familiar images. The lane I live on faces the Illawarra (New South Wales) escarpment, the end of the Great Dividing Range as it reaches the ocean. Its history to the Indigenous people is largely lost, like many traditional knowledges. This painting speaks to the colours we have lost throughout the world as we lose knowledge.

Elizabeth Hamilton 2017 loss 2021 Wood relief: 24 medium-density fibreboard layers 46 x 60 x 8.5 cm not for sale current staff

Elizabeth used the 2017 United States CDC's WISQARS data to create a three-dimensional map of the contiguous United States. The map outlines each state's gun violence by the total number of deaths per 100 000 in 2017. The negative space in the artwork represents loss. The horror of gun violence combined with inaction inspired this work. When she lived in the US, Elizabeth herself experienced the fear of a lockdown during a handgun incident on a campus. She has watched the American news in horror after many gun violence incidents, but sadly, little has changed.

Geoffrey Head Suburban landscape 2021 Coloured pencil, aerosol paint and paint marker on paper 62 x 50 cm $900 past staff

An example of Geoffrey’s stylised imagery depicting natural and built environments, with texture, colour and line as dominant elements. Experienced central Queensland artist, Geoffrey Head has explored painting, drawing and printmaking over 43 years. Geoffrey’s recent work responds to his surroundings and includes the form and structure of plant life and the interaction of housing development with the natural environment.

Ashley Holmes Aboard ‘Linckia II’, awaiting high tide 2021 Digital artwork (composite of a drawing and watercolour), printed on paper 31 x 40 cm $650 current staff

This digital artwork (combining a drawing and a watercolour executed two weeks apart) conveys the sense of isolation and the intense birdlife activity Ashley experienced on a visit in 2020 to an isolated research station on One Tree Island in the Capricornia Cays National Park. RV Linckia II provides common sea access to and from the Island. Ashley Holmes teaches into the Bachelor of Digital Media Degree at CQUniversity and supervises creative practice research higher degree students. Ashley also maintains his own creative practice and exhibits regularly in diverse mediums.

Madelyn Holmes Gondwana mist 2021 Digital photograph on metal 60 x 90 x 3 cm $600 past student

A foggy day on the Springbrook plateau, in the Gold Coast hinterland, allows a glimpse back in time. This section of the World Heritage listed Gondwana Rainforests in southeast Queensland and northeast New South Wales is a reminder of the importance of preserving our most precious ecosystems. Madelyn specialises in photography and graphic design and graduated from CQUniversity in 2015 with a Bachelor of Digital Media with Distinction. Given her regional upbringing and adventurous spirit, she relishes the details of nature whilst juxtaposing photographic elements to create interest in her work.

Kerry Jackson Coastal flora 2021 Pastel on paper 37 x 55 cm $650 past student

Inspired by the beauty of the coastal flora found on the beaches of the Capricorn Coast. The vibrant hues of pastels were chosen as the best medium to depict mother nature's colour palette. An active member of the CQ Contemporary Artists group, Kerry completed several art courses in 2012 and 2013 at the CQ TAFE and has attended numerous art workshops. She enjoys working with oil and acrylic paints, inks, pastels and mosaics.

Bill Jewell Monsoon evening 2021 Digital photograph 60 x 90 cm $350 current staff

Taken in a quiet street in Hoi Ann, Vietnam, during the day. Through Photoshop, Bill has tried to capture a moody evening monsoon storm that occurred a few days beforehand. Bill is an amateur photographer who enjoys editing photographs in Photoshop. After spending what seemed a lifetime in paramilitary professions, he now enjoys the peacefulness of university employment.

Rebecca Johnson Compulsion 2021 Embroidery and ink on cotton fabric 45 x 38 cm $500 current student

Describes Rebecca's experience living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Created in thread, the medium requires repetitive actions, much like the compulsions that come with OCD. The familiar subject of a woman in prayer conveys contemplation and reflection. She struggles with the idea that prayer becoming a compulsive mental ritual is unfair and damaging. Currently studying visual art, Rebecca works across a variety of media with roots in oil painting. 2021 has seen Rebecca turn toward textile art to deal with chronic illness. She has found solace in the long lineage of embroidery artists through history who share mental and physical illness.

Tracey Kennedy Not so close encounter of the trachyte kind 2021 Oil on canvas 30 x 30 cm $200 current staff

Painted with a palette knife, using a reference photo taken when commuting on the Rockhampton – Yeppoon Road. Since moving to the Capricorn Coast, Tracey has developed an obsession with the Mount Hedlow trachyte, a group of about 12 volcanic plugs. Interestingly, they are the only trachyte formations that support the growth of hoop pines. Tracey has been a maker for decades, but with a particular passion for painting. Starting in watercolour, then acrylic, she now paints exclusively in oil paint.

Hannah Korger To see the world 2021 Digital artwork 15 x 20 cm not for sale current student

Most young adults have tunnel vision, seeing only how everything affects them, whether it makes THEM soar to greater heights or depletes their energy. Few, like the girl in the portrait, look at the world and think, "What is my place of service? How can I help them?" This work was originally a photograph, digitally edited with Adobe Lightroom and Enlight Photoleap by Lightricks. Hannah is currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Nursing at CQUniversity, aiming to become a registered nurse. Her art is inspired by deep emotion and is a way to express thoughts that would not be the same in written or spoken form.

Celeste Lawson Dachshund and Llama 2021 Digital artwork 30 x 20 cm $200 current staff

A naive, colourful work, reminiscent of the simplicity of childhood where joy and play are the primary goals. Celeste uses art as a creative outlet. Like her own personality, she is drawn to bright colours and bold shapes. Celeste has been contributing to the CQU Creates Art Awards for several years, and advocates that art creates a sense of community consistent with the values of CQUniversity, in that it is inclusive and diverse, regardless of style or composition.

Emily Lawson Skies of ash and cosmic dust 2021 Acrylic, oil pastel and graphite on canvas 50 x 60 cm $220 current student

This abstract expressionist artwork is a reflection on the apocalyptic 2019 – 20 Australian summer: catastrophic bushfires, sweltering heat, toxic smoke, relentless drought, flash floods, dust storms and golf ball sized hail. Using layered colour and movement, it explores how airborne matter like soil, ash, smoke and even cosmic dust can connect distant people, places and time. Emily Lawson is a painter and public health worker living in Melbourne on Wurundjeri lands. She creates abstract mixed media work using layered organic shapes and details and is inspired by the intersection of nature with urban or human environments.

Stephanie Lim Kangaroo surprise 2021 Photograph 38.4 x 25.6 cm $100 current student

This kangaroo was as surprised as I was when we spotted each other in Plenty Gorge Park in Bundoora, Victoria. It was a warm summer day for this beautiful photo against a calm and soothing backdrop. Stephanie loves nature and can spend hours getting lost in the forest looking at trees or watching animals. Photography has been her way of sharing that love with other people, and it has also taught her to be more patient, observant and grateful. She is currently pursuing a postgraduate degree in Project Management.

Hanbing Lu Portrait of my friend Andy 2021 Oil on canvas 60 x 50 cm $1000 current staff

Having lived in many other places, Andy has finally settled in Central Queensland. Inspired by his warm and friendly personality, I have been working on a portrait series of Andy since 2020. In this oil version, I used bright and vibrant colours to represent his character. Hanbing is a visual artist and educator inspired by Central Queensland’s natural beauty. She creates with oil painting, woodcut, watercolour, digital art and traditional Chinese calligraphy and painting, aiming to bridge Western and Eastern cultures. Hanbing follows Zen Buddhism’s focus on personal daily life and enlightenment. For her, art practice is not only work, but also a kind of entertainment, relaxation and meditation.

Joy Matthews Treasure 2021 Assemblage of found items: including skull, driftwood, shells, coral 55 x 70 x 40 cm $200 current staff

As my holiday ended, I put this piece together, with shells and driftwood and coral. I note that each of these pieces were once an integral part of a thriving community, but soon will simply be sand particles. This collection of found items comes from 15 years of travel across the north of Australia. Growing up in the United Kingdom, the most exciting shells we might find were scallop shells, so to be able to find exotic things on the beach brings me back to the delight of a child finding treasure.

Ainslie McMahon Bush walk 2021 Acrylic on paper 41 x 60 cm $450 past student

Inspired by Ainslie's love of bushwalking near her home, listening, observing and embracing the "beauty and terror" of our country, as Dorothea Mackellar's poem My Country describes the landscape of Australia. Ainslie McMahon is a Rockhampton born artist and educator with strong ties to central Queensland, being a fifth-generation member of her family in the region. Ainslie has exhibited widely in Queensland and facilitated numerous community art workshops. She adds and subtracts continually to create energy in her artwork, believing an animated image is more engaging than painting a faithful likeness.

Anitha Menon Mundane beauties 2021 Oil on canvas 50 x 40 cm $750 past student

People now being mainly at home has urged me to explore the increased visibility of homemaking skills and their mundanity. This painting is a visual ode to the seemingly invisible homemakers who never forget to fill in the stock that runs out all the time. Static objects can be symbols of a cultural past or moments of a time or, sometimes, a realisation for me that time has stood still without progress. My house and the objects associated with it have been a major influence in my art so far. I strongly feel the need to portray a homemaker’s perspective on various topics. I am drawn towards symbolism and concepts and find textures fascinating to paint.

Felix Parker Hoc Caesar me Donavit (Caesar has rewarded me with this) 2021 Scratchboard drawing 29.7 x 21 cm $295 current student

Inspired by the 1557 edition of Devises Heroïques (a printed collection of emblems) by Claude Paradin and Bernard Saloman. This work reimagines the emblem of Charles IV of France, commissioned to remind him of his time spent as a youth in the forests of Senlis in northern France. The stag is bound at the neck by a chain, in the form of a gilt crown. A Rockhampton-based artist, Felix enjoys bold colours, intense contrasts, symbolism and fine details. Felix is currently working in scratchboard (where dark ink is scratched off a surface to reveal a white or coloured layer beneath) which offers an enjoyable textural experience and no mercy for mistake-making. He draws his inspiration from history, heraldry, superstition, morality and the macabre.

Janet Pleash The River, the city and the ranges 2021 Acrylic on canvas 100 x 75 cm $195 past staff

Inspired by Rockhampton’s Fitzroy River and Berserker Ranges during a wet season when the countryside comes to life. This work presents various perspectives, with the river winding its way through Rockhampton and the ever-imposing ranges crawling their way down to the city reaches. Janet is a self-taught artist who paints for sheer enjoyment and with each new creation aims to hone her skills. Much of her work is realistic and she uses mostly acrylics and oils. Janet’s subjects are mostly landscapes, birds, still life and portraits. She has been a regular participant in the CQU Creates Art Awards and is a member of Central Queensland Contemporary Artists.

Alana Read Edge of the world 2020 Watercolour on paper 50 x 65 cm $850 past student

The feeling of absolute humility and insignificance awaits you when standing on the “edge of the world”. Merton Gorge near Winton is a spiritual place and after visiting, I was compelled to capture it. Watercolour was used as its very nature contrasts with the dry, ancient landscape. Alana Read is a passionate watercolour artist based in rural Central Queensland. Immersing herself in the region’s diverse landscapes ensures inspiration is never far away. By embracing the dramatic and ephemeral qualities of light, Alana seeks to capture the essence of nature in an atmospheric way with various watercolour techniques.

Stephen Richardson Silence 2021 Assemblage of found objects, mortar shell surrounded by snail shells on velvet in a hand-made glass case 39 x 39 x 31 cm $1200 current student

This work reflects on the fragility of life in an increasingly hostile global environment. Stephen’s art spans the traditional to the contemporary. He enjoys making small assemblages like this one, using bricolage and sculptural techniques. Stephen also creates text, video, and performance works stretching the viewer’s expectations of the visual art experience. His art questions what the viewer brings to an artwork, positing the work as a transactional relationship between artist and viewer.

Mili Ridge Blue lights 2021 Digital art (poster) 100 x 80 cm $100 current student

I like retro sci-fi, hope you do too. Now ... immerse. Mili states: ‘My artist-name is “Paintvapor” and most of my work is heavily inspired by retro sci fi themes! This artwork has been inspired by both the Tron and Blade Runner aesthetic. Artwork created using Adobe Photoshop.’

Gabrielle Rooney Breaking hope 2021 Oil on canvas 66 x 97 cm $700 current student

An Australian landscape piece, representing the clearing of a storm on sunset in central-west Queensland: a deathly beauty that is superficial with nothing to offer apart from heart break. As the drought continues in many parts, people who rely on the land often are given false hope from beautiful storms. Gabrielle is currently undertaking a Bachelor of Secondary Education. Coming from a country background, she finds peace and connection when painting outback scenes. Gabrielle has drawn and painted from a young age and seeks to grow and develop her skills, techniques and style.

Bonita Shore Losing paradise? 2021 Stitching, vintage lace, cotton and silk thread on linen 41 x 52.5 cm $430 past student

My artwork uses textile media as contemporary mark making; creating line, texture, and shape, and representing tidal levels and movement, vegetation, and circular motifs to express island land mass and loss. This work responds to concerns about climate change, and rising sea levels in the Pacific and elsewhere from melting icecaps and snows in polar regions. In 2018, Bonny began exploring stitching, encouraged by her print and drawing tutors. Now she works mainly in textiles, fibres, stitching, eco-dyeing, and printmaking, often creating mixed media works. Bonny has exhibited in New South Wales and Victoria. Her first degree was a Bachelor of Arts through CQUniversity.

Barbara Suttle Spark your imagination 2021 Digital photograph 1617 x 2300 px $200 current student

Capturing moving fire sparks reveals unusual shapes, colours and textures that may normally be ignored and triggers the viewer's imagination. The photograph captures the essence of abstract composition. Barbara studied art in Poland. She is currently enrolled in Digital Media. Barbara also lived in England and Ireland and further travels led her to Australia. Photography has always been her hobby and she likes to experiment and manipulate the camera to achieve an artistic approach.

42 Llewellyn Swallow Sun woman, moon man 2021 Acrylic on canvas 76 x 101 cm $1250 past student

When the world was young, Aboriginal people had neither light nor heat. Purukupali (the first man) and his companion Japara by chance rubbed two sticks together and made fire. Purukupali, realizing that the discovery would dispel the darkness, gave a large torch of blazing bark to his sister Wuripuranala and a smaller one to Japara. When the creation period came to an end, the mythical people were transformed into creatures, plants and natural forces. Wuripuranala became the sun woman, rising in the morning in the east with her torch. When the sun woman disappears over the western horizon, then the moon man Japara with his smaller torch journeys across the sky to overcome the darkness of the night. Llewellyn states: ‘I am a proud Indigenous artist of the Kabi Kabi People. I was born on Mamu country in north Queensland and live in the Taribelang Bunda lands. As a youngster, I was taught the ways of the old people. Our Elders ensured we connected physically and spiritually to our Indigenous ancestry, instilling respect for the land, the heritage and the culture. Painting keeps culture, identity and beliefs alive. My modern paintings present traditional themes and stories. My painting has evolved considerably over the past seven years.’

Debby Talan Tropical frangipani 2021 Digital art on canvas 40 x 50 cm $400 current staff

The stunning beauty of frangipani flowers are always interesting to photograph with petals of vibrancy and uniform repetitive shapes. Digital techniques were used here to create a digital painting. Composition and colour palette compliment the artwork. An experienced exhibiting artist, designer and photographer, Debby’s love of nature and an outdoor lifestyle is reflected in her flora and fauna subjects. Debby completed a Bachelor of Digital Media in 2020 with CQUniversity, and a Diploma of Visual Arts with TAFE Queensland. She is currently exploring Surface Pattern Design, where her artworks and designs can be used on commercial products.

Abbey Van Tongeren Chains of burden 2021 Pencil on canvas 50 x 40 cm $450 current student

Despite how much we try not to show it and usually keep smiling to those around us, there are always some life burdens that affect us physically or emotionally. It is a constant battle to try not to let it get the best of us. Abbey states: ‘I felt it was best to do the artwork by drawing as I would not be able to create such a vivid image via Photoshop.’ She hopes to become a graphic designer and enjoys art. While she has been diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, Abbey still works two jobs, studies and enjoys life. The last year during the COVID-19 pandemic has shown her that despite acting normally, everyone has a secret or a life burden.

Brittney Watson Your attention please 2021 Digital art 3.4 x 1.9 cm not for sale past student

For every good intention, many are traumatised by social media attacks, by both person and machine. This work represents the darker side of social media’s controlling and addicting dependency, showing how we have placed social media higher than our own needs. Brittney grew up in a fishing town on the coast of South Africa. She emigrated to Australia where she discovered art and storytelling, finding that digital media can tell stories that comfort and address issues of today. Currently, Brittney is studying honours with research into the storyboarding process, hoping to be part of those who bring life to the stories on screen.

Robyn Watson Colourful Mount Morgan 2021 Fibre-tipped pens and inks on paper 28 x 38 cm $300 (framed) past student

The artwork was meant to be a quick sketch in poster pens, as a precursor to a much larger oil painting. It is done on A3 watercolour paper and framed in a single matt and wooden frame. The poster pens do well to bring attention to the vibrant colours of Mount Morgan. Robyn is a self-taught artist, painting usually realistically rather than abstractly. She is inspired by nature and enjoys portraiture and portraying history from black and white to colour. Mount Morgan, her home for the last 20 years, has been an inexhaustible source of fascination for its rich history as an old gold mining town, and the changes it has morphed through.

Tara Windley Unwanted wisdom 2021 Acrylic on canvas 45 x 30 cm $1500 current student

Inspired by a captured moment between me and my father on my graduation day. Although it seems picturesque, at that moment I was on the receiving end of a lecture on the dangers of schoolies. Thank you for your abundant wisdom even when it is not asked for. Tara moved from Brisbane to Rockhampton to study oral health therapy. She has also recently switched from 3D media to painting and is passionate about overcoming the new challenges of 2D media.

Emma Woodbright Ronald in a mask 2021 Digital photograph 60 x 42 cm $250 current student

I hope as I think many do, that masks will not be a permanent fixture in our world. Therefore I am interested in documenting what our daily experience looks like now, particularly moments like this: Ronald McDonald in a surgical mask. Not long ago this would have seemed odder. A Master of Arts RHD Candidate, Emma’s practice revolves around social documentary and street photography. Emma hopes to contribute to social history/documentation, focusing on ordinary people and day to day life. In her research, Emma will combine the social documentary approach with workshops so that participants to learn to utilise photography to tell their own narratives and document their own experiences.

THE AWARDS CQU CREATES 2021 ART AWARD

a non-acquisitive prize open to past and present students and staff of CQUniversity: $500

CQU CREATES 2021 INDIGENOUS ART AWARD

a non-acquisitive prize open to past and present Australian Indigenous students and staff of CQUniversity: $500

CQU CREATES 2021 CURRENT STUDENT AWARD

a non-acquisitive prize open to present students of CQUniversity:

CQU CREATES 2021 HIGHLY COMMENDED AWARDS up to eight prizes, each:

$500

$250

JUDGE

A visual artist based in Rockhampton, Queensland, Veronika Zeil is originally from Germany. Veronika has lived and worked on a cattle station west of Springsure, participated in ecological field studies of native fauna and flora, and worked in graphic design and as a journalist for the Rural Weekly and Morning Bulletin, Rockhampton. She has been creating art all her life and since 2008 has been a full-time artist at her open studio on the family farm at Rockyview, Queensland. Veronika holds a Master of Visual Art degree (Monash University) and a Bachelor of Applied Science Biology (CQUniversity). For the last decade, she has run art workshops across central and western Queensland and more recently was involved in public programs offered by the Rockhampton Art Gallery. Themes in Veronika’s artwork centre around land management, conservation and the nature-culture interface. Her works inspire new ways of engaging with art and our environment and encourage debate about possible, creative, innovative and respectful ways of coexisting with nature. Veronika’s practice is anchored in drawing and painting and in recent times her work has expanded into interdisciplinary immersive installation work. Research and concept development lead her to explore possibilities in a range of art media.

Veronika has been commissioned to complete many public and private artworks, exhibits annually in regional art galleries, has won many awards and her work is represented by Gala Gallery, Rockhampton. Currently, Veronika is one of three artists commissioned to create an interdisciplinary art installation for the opening of the Rockhampton Museum of Art.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS All images courtesy of the Artists. Exhibition Coordinator and Catalogue Editor: Sue Smith, Art Collection Manager, CQUniversity Publisher: CQUniversity Australia © 2021 CQUniversity Australia and the Artists

CRICOS: 00219C | RTO: 40939 | P_BK_210047