As the major sponsor of the National Sunshine Coast Art Prize for the last four years, we are excited to feature and share with you our local Sunshine Coast finalists.
We loved speaking with local artist and finalist, Casey Hewitt from the Coolum Beach.
1. What does it mean to you to be recognised as a finalist in the Sunshine Coast Art Prize 2022?
To be a finalist in the Sunshine Coast Art Prize is a surreal experience. I distinctly remember seeing the exhibition in 2018 and being absolutely awestruck, particularly by Prudence Flint's work, "Pink Blanket". Since then the exhibition has held an unattainable allure for me. To have an artwork of mine hung on the same walls is an immense joy and a wonderful full circle moment.
2. What journey has brought you here to the Sunshine Coast?
I am very grateful to have grown up on the coast in Coolum Beach, where I still live now. I worked in custom art picture framing for over 3 years and was privileged to win Apprentice of the Year for the North Coast Region in 2021. I left my job this year to have a one year creative break and the first artwork I painted was my entry, “When did I start holding my breath?”. The artwork holds many meanings for me, and in one way feels like a love letter to my Coolum backyard.
3. What are your dreams and ambitions as an artist?
At the moment I’m working on a collection of pieces for a group show at Noosa Regional Gallery later in the year, which in itself is a dream. My art practice has always been a meditative process that allows me to depict something intangible. The joyful part for me is having the viewer inherently know and connect with that unspoken aspect. My dream would be to turn my one year creative break into five years, to support myself fully through my passion for painting as well as my small business in sustainable curated vintage.
[Image courtesy of the artist]
Casey Hewitt | When did I start holding my breath? | 2022 | oil on canvas | 76.5 x 51cm
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