Winner: Paul Gorjan
Judge: Vince Day
Prize donor: Councillor Don McGregor
BAS President: Adele Bruens
Our judge, Vince Day from DAY FINE ART, Blackheath, was unable to attend the prizegiving but sent along these comments:
I am very sorry that I cannot make it to this ceremony, in my eagerness to contribute to the event, I double booked myself
I would like to say that I feel incredibly privileged to be invited to judge this annual art prize. Thank you so much. Blackheath has an amazing community of artists and many are represented here.
The judging was tricky, there is so much talent in this room that it was quite overwhelming.
I have to emphasize that my final choices were based on several parameters: (not in any order of importance) but predominantly my emotional response to the artworks.
The technical side of creation
The character of the artwork
The narrative within the artwork
My emotion response to the artwork (Visual impact, colour scheme, composition etc)
Everyone who took the time to create and exhibit in this prize deserves a commendation for their passion in the arts.
Please congratulate yourselves, because together, you have done an incredible job of representing Blackheath culture. This is something for all to celebrate.
First Prize: Bunya Bunya Trees at Katoomba
Artist: Paul Gorjan
Medium: Oil
Judge’s comments:
For a distinct colour palette and character of painting. This contemporary well balanced small painting of Katoomba seems to refer to the past as much as it does the present. The 20th Century Plein air masters such as Percy Lindsay come to mind when viewing this. A beautiful contemporary landscape.
Second Prize: Through the Mallee
Artist: Maurice Francor
Medium: Acrylic
Judge’s comments:
For presence, colour and a unique character. The composition scale of this painting reverberates energy. It makes me feel bright.
Highly Commended: West Hobart.
Artist: Jane Canfield
Medium: Oil and pastel.
Judge’s comments:
This tonal piece is well balanced, soothing to view.
Highly Commended: Eucalyptus
Artist: Julie Hansen
Medium: Ink on Yupo Paper
Judge’s comments:
For colour and abstract beauty, a work that is hard to look away from.
Highly Commended: Regent Honeyeater
Artist: Julie Paterson
Medium: Scraperboard
Judge’s comments:
Full of character, a charming painting? Or print? Scratched out? Quite unique.
Highly Commended: Of earth and Sky 1
Artist: Vanessa Whittington
Medium: Mixed media
Judge’s comments:
A well balanced and energetic watercolour.
Commended: Family
Artist: Sally Brezzo
Medium: Charcoal
Judge’s comments:
The ability to capture a fleeting moment is one of the greatest talents of an artist. What is the dog thinking?
Commended: Owl Protrait
Artist: Sue Colburt
Medium: Graphite
Judge’s comments:
A technically proficient drawing, appeals to my love of animals and wildlife.
Commended: Rotunda, Sydney Harbour
Artist: Barbara Holmes
Medium: Oil
Judge’s comments:
The illusion of impressionism is in the mark making. This painting has it.
Commended: Happy Wanderer
Artist: Thierry Ollivain
Medium: Cyanotype
Judge’s comments:
A well-structured composition, completely confused me regarding the medium. Beautiful to look at.
Commended: Displacement
Artist: Adele Sharman
Medium: Oil
Judge’s comments:
The possible narrative here gets me. It reminds me of an exodus. With the world in a period of instability, it is up to us to consider the next moves.
Commended: Regain
Artist: Liz Smith
Medium: Unique state print.
Judge’s comments:
Reminiscent of the printmaking movement of the early to mid 20th century. Yet contemporary. A piece filled with its own character.
People’s Choice: Snow Gum 1
Artist: Basia Nowacki
Medium: Ink on Yuko paper