The Bundaberg Region is alive with creativity and it will soon be on show as this year’s Bundaberg Art Prize nears, but there is still time for artist to enter for their chance to win the new $10,000 major trophy.
Local artist John Olsen is a regular entrant in Bundaberg Art Prize and his past work in the Festival led to the development of his arts practice and he said it’s always a good opportunity to help get artists name out in the community.
“The Art Prize is a good opportunity to show how many good artists we have here in Bundaberg,” John said.
“I’ve never classed myself as an artist, but I enjoy creating art each and every day – if I stop doing it I will lose my motivation.
Bundaberg Region is full of creativity
John said the Bundaberg Region was full of emerging artist along with the people who had been in the art industry for decades.
“I started producing art on a regular basis in 1988 – it keeps my mind well lubricated and I would encourage everyone to try it and show their creativity.”
John is known locally for his metal work, which is on show around the Bundaberg Region and includes the Ceratodus sculpture, which is part of the Bundaberg Regional Galleries Public Art Collection.
“I use stick welding to create sculptures from objects, mainly sealife, in the Bundaberg area that I am inspired by, and with this type of artwork I get a burn a day, but that’s part of the deal!” John said.
“This area has always been home to me and I was a commercial fisherman and fished the East Coast of Australia.”
John has entered two pieces into the 3D Works section of the Bundaberg Art Prize ’19, both inspired by his love for the ocean.
“The first is a turtle made from recycled stainless steel and is what I call the new turtle as it as a sewing machine light inside the sculpture and a motherboard attached to its back and is inspired by the turtles that leave Mon Repos with tracking devices attached,” John said.
“The second is a type of seahorse and is made from cutlery, spoons and goodness knows what else.”
Prestigious art prize
Bundaberg Arts Festival president Phil Oakley said the $10,000 major prize made it the most prestigious art prize ever to be offered in the Bundaberg Region.
There will also be $2000 section prizes offered for easel works, works on paper, digital work and 3D work and an award recognising an emerging artist.
To enter and for more information on entry terms and conditions click here.
Entry forms are also available from Art Plus at 15 Electra Street and Bundaberg Regional Art Galleries in Bundaberg and Childers.
Key dates
Friday, 30 August
Entry forms and entry fees for all sections must be received by 5pm.
Sunday, 15 September
Delivery of art work between 10am to 3pm.
21-29 September
Festival open to the public from 10am to 3pm.
Saturday, 21 September
Awards night
Sunday, 29 September
Collection of artwork between 10am to 3pm.
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