News

A Brisbane-based contemporary artist whose works includes paintings, abstract sounds, digital imagery and photography has been rewarded with a financial bursary from Queensland University of Technology (QUT).

New Zealand born QUT Creative Industries Bachelor of Fine Arts student Rebecca Daynes received the 2013 Hild Chenhall Memorial Scholarship in Visual Arts in March.

The mother of three was recognised by QUT Creative Industries Executive Dean Professor Rod Wissler at a ceremony attended by visual arts academics.

The visual artist has developed a diverse practice that engages with both new and traditional media through a process of curation and creation, while at the same time juggling her education and the needs of a growing family.

Mrs Daynes began exhibiting her work in 2008, has experimented in a diverse range of mediums, including computer games and three-dimensional digital models, and recently exhibited in Contraband: Contemporary Painting and curated the international art exhibition Pinkification

Despite coming to QUT without a high school education, the creative practitioner has excelled in her studies, having been recognised on the Dean's List for Academic Excellence in 2009 and 2010. In 2012 she received the QUT Student Leadership Excellence Award while maintaining a GPA of 6.7.

Professor Wissler said he was "personally thrilled" that Mrs Daynes had been selected for the scholarship. The multi-disciplinary nature of the scholarship winner's practice was timely, according to the Executive Dean, with the recent launch of the Federal Government's National Cultural Policy and as the QUT visuals arts discipline prepares for the construction of the $80 million Creative Industries Precinct 2.

"The national focus on the importance of the artist is a really pleasing statement for artists in society and the broader creative industries agenda," Professor Wissler said.

"The balance has been struck at a national level, and for someone like Rebecca, forging ahead with her practice, it's an exciting time."

Mrs Daynes said that her university education has been a "very personal, validating experience" providing context to her paintings, and the financial support the scholarship provides will make a "massive difference" to her life.

"Without it I would have trouble being here," she said.

Mrs Daynes has been the creative director of the QUT Women's Collective, helping to connect university activities with the wider community, and also served as president of Post Datum, an association for visual arts students.

Last year's scholarship recipient Yannick Blattner said the scholarship had a "profound effect" on his life. It allowed him to rent a Fortitude Valley studio, travel to the Sydney Biennale, exhibit his work and hire professional photography.

"The scholarship allowed me time to develop and promote my paintings, and the opportunities and doors this scholarship has opened have grown exponentially," Mr Blattner.

The Hild Chenhall Memorial Scholarship in Visual Arts is the legacy of late Sunshine Coast painter Hild Chenhall.

QUT Bequest & Major Gift Officer Anna Herbert said that Mrs Chenhall had been passionate about supporting visual arts students, and would be "happy that this scholarship has become her legacy at QUT".

Organisation

QUT Bequest & Major Gift

Info

Anna Herbert

Phone

07 3138 2950

Email

a.herbert@qut.edu.au