GUESS WHO’S BACK FOR DINE IN & TAKEAWAY?
Warragul photographer Deborah Brown has proved her talent with national award recognition following her recent graduation from Melbourne Polytechnic.
Deborah, who studied photography as a mature aged student, took out a silver distinction and two silver at the Australian Institute of Professional Photographers (AIPP) Awards.
At the earlier state awards, Deborah was named AIPP Victorian Student Photographer of the Year.
Reflecting on her success at the national awards, Deborah said student work being judged alongside professional entries gave further significance.
“That’s what makes it so thrilling is you’re up against people that have been doing this for a long time. The print is judged on its merits, whether a student of 20-year veteran.”
Deborah said photography had given her life new meaning as well as provided optimism for the future.
After juggling being a single mum with an administration job, Deborah took a gamble on entering a three-and-a-half year photography degree. Awarded folio of the year at her graduating exhibition, it is a gamble that has paid off.
“To win folio of the year is quite thrilling,” said Deborah.
Compiling at least three prints plus a book of works, Deborah focused on meaningful personal images to tell her life journey.
“It was something that I’ve never done before and it was quite liberating to do it in a way. I had to think outside the box and go with the flow.”
Deborah studied photography at school – amongst the first girls to transition from Warragul High School to Warragul Technical School in year nine in order to do so.
“I didn’t go on with it, which I really kick myself for,” she admits.
However, entering and winning a few local competitions, including the Gazette’s annual Readers’ Photography Competition, gave her confidence to pursue her passion.
Whilst COVID-19 has restricted Deborah’s photography movements, her camera is still a companion during walks.
A virtual art exhibition is encouraging local residents and art lovers to “flourish” as the community moves out of isolation.
Cardinia Shire is now hosting the virtual art exhibition on council’s “Creating Cardinia” community engagement platform until Tuesday, June 30.
Entitled “Flourish”, the exhibition theme will explore how Cardinia Shire residents will flourish as the community moves out of isolation life and into a new normal.
All artforms will be accepted in accordance with the submission guidelines and all levels of artistic skill are encouraged to participate.
Cardinia Shire hope to display selected “Flourish” entries in a physical exhibition at the Cardinia Cultural Centre or other community art spaces in future.
This community-led art exhibition is another way the shire is “Connecting Cardinia” during the COVID19 pandemic.
While individuals, businesses and the local community are all facing new challenges with the current physical distancing requirements, there are many people in the community who are seeing this time as an opportunity to look within and reflect on what they consider to be most important to them.
They are taking this time of social isolation to regenerate and refocus, to help those less fortunate or who are more vulnerable, and to flourish, in preparation for emerging from isolation renewed.
Art plays an important role in navigating unusual times like these, and all residents and local art lovers are encouraged to share their own creativity, whatever their preferred artistic medium.
Artwork submissions close Friday, June 29 at 5pm.
For more information and to enter your artwork, visit cardinia.vic.gov.au/Connectin gCardinia or call the arts and culture team on 1300 787 624.