NEWS
RMIT artists triumph in prestigious craft awards
RMIT alumni and students have won three out of four major prizes in the Victorian Craft Award, the state’s largest exhibition of craft artists.
More than 30 students and alumni were also listed as finalists, with eight making the director’s shortlist.
Presented by Craft Victoria, the Victorian Craft Award showcases excellence and innovation across all media.
Natalia Milosz Piekarska, Bachelor of Fine Art (Honours) graduate and sessional gold and silversmithing lecturer, was awarded the $10,000 Lynne Kosky Jewellery Award for her handcarved timber fish pendant, Wishing Fish.
The pendant houses three wish bones, forged from 18ct yellow gold, sterling silver and brass, that can be removed and worn as pins, tossed in a fountain or perhaps gifted to another in need of some good luck.
“There was such an incredible body of work shortlisted, I’m so humbled to have been selected,” Milosz-Piekarska said.
Sun-Woong Bang, Master of Fine Art graduate and current PhD (Art) candidate, was awarded the $2000 Jewellery Encouragement Award for his work Unexpected Linkage.
Bachelor of Fine Art (Honours) graduate Kate Jones, was awarded the $2000 Decal Ceramic Award for her terracotta work, Sometimes Yes.
Be true to you: Applications are open for the Master of Fine Art, Master of Arts (Art in Public Space) and Master of Arts (Art Management). Start studying in 2016.
Eight RMIT students and alumni were also commended by Craft’s CEO/Artistic Director, Jane Scott.
Milosz-Piekarska said her time at RMIT provided her with the technical and conceptual foundation to help realise her ideas, as well as develop lifelong friendships and industry connections.
“Having the space, time and guidance to develop as a maker is so incredibly valuable,” she said.
“All of the staff brought their own magic to the course, providing such varied perspectives and approaches that were all relevant and influential.”
Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art) Program Manager, Mark Edgoose, said RMIT’s achievements at the Victorian Craft Award reflected the strength of the university’s art programs.
“Our School of Art is recognised as a leader in contemporary art practice,” he said.
“Our internationally renowned programs are led by accomplished artists and academic staff, providing excellent guidance for the next generation of Australian and international artists.”
RMIT University was ranked among the world’s top 20 art and design universities, in the 2015 QS World University rankings.
Story: Emma Morgan