Southern River College student Klaudia Czerwinska has had her artwork selected for display as one of the top artworks in the lower secondary category for the prestigious Shaun Tan Award Exhibition in Subiaco.
A panel of judges who wish to encourage creativity, imagination and skill in visual arts selected the 14-year-old’s artwork ‘Down the River.’
Klaudia said she has always liked art and last year chose to take art as an elective subject at school.
She also said she is involved with an after-school art program with the City of Gosnells.
“I’ve liked art for as long as I can remember,” she said.
“I created Down the River as a class project which I completed over four periods.
“Originally I wasn’t sure what to do but decided I wanted to work with purple colours and include a sunset and friendship and so I came up with the idea of two friends relaxing and fishing on the river as the sun goes down.”
A Polish native, Klaudia said she has been in Australia for only three years.
She said art made her happy and although she would like to become a lawyer she said art will always be part of her life.
Southern River College visual arts teacher Marc Bikim said he was proud of Klaudia’s achievement.
“I think it is a great reward for her to be among the top 10 in her category,” he said.
“I hope that this will boost the confidence of other students in participating in Art competitions, no matter what the outcome, and not to be afraid to compete with other schools.”
Mr Bikim said art was more than just drawing and painting.
He said students should understand that even though they are not competent in drawing or painting, they could still be good artists because there were many ways they could express themselves visually.
“I am very happy to belong to the Southern River College community and wish to make a difference in the young people with whom I work,” he said.
“I strongly believe that all students, whether they have talent or not in art, can achieve.
“My primary goals at the school are to make students proud of what they are doing by praising their achievements, displaying their works, encouraging them to participate in art awards and building their confidence in visual arts.”
The Shaun Tan Award Exhibition will be held at Subiaco Library from July 10 to August 6.
