As the major sponsor of the National Sunshine Coast Art Prize for the last four years, we are excited to share and celebrate with you the local Sunshine Coast finalists.
Congratulations to Cholena Hughes, local artist and finalist, from the Glasshouse Mountains.
'Her Journey' created on cyanotype with ochre and acrylic paint will be hanging in the Sunshine Coast Art Prize exhibition in the Caloundra Regional Art Gallery this Friday 26 August to 16 October 2022.
The artwork awarded with the Major Prize will be acquired into the incredible Sunshine Coast Art Collection. A People’s Choice prize is also decided by way of public vote by exhibition visitors.
We loved speaking with Cholena and we wish her the best of luck!
1. What does it mean to you to be recognised as a finalist in the Sunshine Coast Art Prize 2022?
I regard being a finalist in the Sunshine Coast Art Prize a significant achievement when I reflect on the previous finalists. My journey as a professional artist started after I married and had the support and encouragement from my husband. We moved onto Jinibara Country in 2004 and spent time visiting galleries in the region. The Caloundra Regional Gallery has provided space for many inspiring shows and the SCAP is right up there for showcasing such rich and diverse work. So for many years I‘ve been inspired by SCAP and the opportunities that arise from the recognition of being a finalist; it’s a big deal and many of my friends (who are also artists) have acknowledged that when they learned of me being a finalist this year. I will admit that when Jo rang me to share the news I actually cried and squealed and did a little happy dance. I’m so excited for the exhibition and to share my work among all the other inspiring and talented artists’ works.
2. What journey has brought you here to the Sunshine Coast?
I grew up on Bribie Island, and now live in the hinterland of the Glasshouse Mountains and have spent most of my life around this beautiful piece of Gubbi-Gubbi/Kabi-Kabi and Jinibara Countries. I have also travelled and lived in many great places but the Sunshine Coast region is where I will always feel home. The beautiful beaches with views of islands dancing across the horizon, the diversity of bushlands, rainforests, rivers, creeks, lakes and the rolling hills and mountain ranges - this is my home.
3. What are your dreams and ambitions as an artist?
I dream of becoming a fulltime artist. Being an artist is very therapeutic. You can really loose and find yourself in art. My practice is very involved with my love of spending time in natural environments. Through my art I share glimpses of a world I go to when making. A feeling of peace and awe, of happiness and beauty, a place of belonging and connection, I wish to inspire people, make them feel good - that’s my goal as an artist.
Best of luck Cholena!
Image courtesy of the artist:
Cholena Drew Hughes | Identified First Nations | Her Journey | 2022 | cyanotype with ochre and acrylic paint | 105 x 135cm
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