Students artistic talents on show

7 Sep 2023

Grace Brooks from Mother Teresa Catholic College (year 6) and Brock Knoles from Aquinas College (year 11) were presented with their visual arts scholarships at the Angelico Awards last month.

The scholarships are provided as a part of the partnership between St John of God Health Care and Catholic Education Western Australia that aim to support students to continue their participation in the arts.

Both works will be on display as part of the Angelico Exhibition at St John of God Subiaco Hospital from 13 September to 11 October 2023.

St John of God Health Care Art Curator Carina McPherson, who assisted with the judging and selected the pieces to be displayed at our hospitals, said the quality of work was exceptional and demonstrated the skill and diversity of art by young people.

“I was amazed at the technical skills shown, as well as the inspiring sense of imagination and creativity,” Carina said.

Grace’s work, which is titled Ocean Feathers was inspired by the beautiful beaches and islands of Australia and our wildlife, in particular Penguin Island and its pelicans.

“This award means a lot to me. It marks a pinnacle in my life as an artist. I have won some smaller awards but nothing this big, so I was super excited when I heard I won,” Grace said.

“I love expressing all my emotions on a page. Sometimes art just calms me down after a stressful day.”

In judging Grace’s work, Carina said there was a strong sense of design and composition in the submission.

“Through art, Grace has found her niche and way of sharing her unique way of seeing the world,” Carina said.

Brock’s entry tells his own story as an indigenous student from Port Hedland who joined Aquinas College as a boarding student in the middle of year 10.

On what he loves most about visual arts, Brock said it was the expression, as well as the perspective that is created. 

“I was inspired by how I've been accepted more here than ever and what you can do free from that anxiety,” Brock said.

“The award is a means for me to extend my art outside the classroom and into my general life.”

Carina said Brock demonstrated an attuned eye for colour, tone and form throughout his work.

“Brock has developed a regular practice of drawing and sketching. This commitment to drawing puts him in a great position to further develop his artistic career. He is a worthy recipient of the scholarship,” Carina said.

St John of God Health Care caregivers and patients will now have the opportunity to enjoy the artworks as part of the Angelico Exhibition.

Carina said the passion and commitment of these young artists will amaze those who have an opportunity to experience the exhibition.