Congratulations are in order for Anabel Austin whose artwork has been selected for the 2021 Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art. Her work will be formally displayed at the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery between 2 October and 7 November. The gallery opening hours are between 10:30am and 3:30pm Tuesday to Saturday, and 1pm to 4pm on Sunday.

Anabel has produced a tremendous amount of work this year at an extraordinarily high standard. The opportunity to have her work professionally exhibited is a wonderful reward for the effort. Whilst we have showcased Anabel’s work previously in the newsletter this is a wonderful opportunity to review her artist statement once again and re-examine her sculpture.

More Than A Copy Of A Copy Of A Copy, 2021

68cm x 39cm

Handmade oxide-stained ceramic bisque fired figurines encased in resin.

Represented in art since the beginning of the human experience the female form intrigues, confuses, excites, and mystifies. Working in both the personal and contemporary context, my exploration of femininity has enabled me to experiment beyond the traditional 2-dimensional form of art. In my experimental works I discovered the ease in which the basic Venus form could be recreated however, I was astounded by the diversity and difference of my created figures. This replicates the diversity discovered worldwide of the original Venus forms. Buttocks - Hips - Breasts, the female form is reduced to core elements. Encasing the prehistoric styled hand-made ceramic figures in resin in a mannequin mould frames them in a contemporary recognisable form. The individuality and diversity of the figurines are showcased within the resin and through this I intend to manipulate audience perceptions and values on society’s perspective of women and femininity.

Mr Matt Chivers
Art Teacher