Drawing artistic praise
In the light of history 1 by Ken Smith
The creative process can be a frustrating one but for a Monash University lecturer it all came together in a small coloured pencil drawing, earning him the 2012 Rick Amor Drawing Prize.
The Faculty of Art Design & Architecture’s Ken Smith submitted a piece titled In the light of history 1, one of a series of still life images drawn from both found and made objects set up in his studio.
Mr Smith said one of the most difficult battles in drawing was to make dead materials such as still life images come alive, but in the case of In the light of history 1, he was blessed with both insight and good touch.
“It was one of those rare experiences where everything seemed to click into place,” Mr Smith said.
“In sporting events it’s called "being in the zone" and the final outcome happens somewhat miraculously.”
His piece was one of 672 entries received from across Australia. It will be included in the permanent collection of the Art Gallery of Ballarat, which hosted the competition.
The $10,000 prize is sponsored by contemporary Australian artist Rick Amor, who studied art at the Caulfield Institute of Technology and has held over 40 solo exhibitions in galleries across Australia.
“Rick himself believes in the importance of drawing to both the training of artists and to their ongoing development. He has sponsored this award to encourage involvement with and excellence in the discipline,” Mr Smith said.
“That 600 entries were received for consideration for this award would indicate that there is healthy interest in drawing across the country.”
Director of the Art Gallery of Ballarat Gordon Morrison said he had been very impressed by the response to the bi-annual drawing prize.
“What sets the Rick Amor Drawing Prize apart from similar competitions is that it is for relatively small drawings. Each entry must be no larger than the most readily available watercolour paper, which measures 56 centimetres by 76 centimetres,” Mr Morrison said.
“For many Australian artists, drawing is an important component of their creativity and this bi-annual acquisitive prize has become a highly anticipated event in this nation’s art calendar.”
The prize attracted entries from staff in the Faculty of Art Design & Architecture, alumni, and undergraduate student Christopher Kerley, whose piece was purchased by the gallery for inclusion in its permanent collection.
The exhibition of the 76 shortlisted works submitted for the competition will be on show at the Art Gallery of Ballarat until Sunday 24 June. Entry is free.