The Queensland Regional Art Awards (QRAA) has seen some extraordinary art and artists emerge from its 7 year history. One of the Alumni of this prestigious and unique award and exhibition is Denise Vanderlugt. We asked them a few questions about their experience with the awards and what they’re up to now!
When you first approached me about my experience with the Queensland Regional Art Awards, we were preparing for cyclone Debbie. She then came straight at us with close to 300 kph winds. We were without power for two weeks, so no computer.
Our buildings were not damaged, but our beloved bush garden was trashed.
Since then we have spent vast amounts of time cleaning up, hauling tons of broken debris into piles, and now we will scale back on the time spent each day and get back to our art practice.
My book ‘Insect Art’ travelled around Qld. in the ‘Vital Signs’ exhibition.
I have been a full time artist for a long time working in different media. Making artists books is a new expression for me, so I was thrilled to be included in that exhibition. Going to Brisbane for the opening was an opportunity for me to assess my own work. To that end I have returned to projects that needed to be finished.
I have been working on a very large quilting project for many years and had put it aside. My quilt work is done by hand, so is very time consuming. I have also been working on my second children’s story book with illustrations and props for storytelling after the book is published. Both of these projects have advanced since ‘Vital Signs’, and so I have decided not join in this year’s contest.
I continue making Artist Books with the view to having enough to create an exhibition in the future. Last year I entered my Artist Book ‘I used to wrap Rainbows’ in the 2016 Libris Awards at Artspace Mackay, and received a Highly Commended from judge Sasha Grisham. (photo above)
That is the short story of my goings on since ‘Vital Signs’.
Images courtesy of the artist.