EVA HERGOTT, ‘Freedom’, Photograph. W 80 x H 53, $700.00 (Donated). “
Freedom is a photo of a large Lipizzaner horse. Pedro is the most wonderful model as well as the best companion who likes to cuddle and spend time around people. He also loves to show off his knowledge and he is visibly proud of himself when he is a good boy. I am always so glad when I can photograph a horse with a personality like Pedro.”
42 artists contest inaugural Sunshine Coast equine art prize
42 local, Queensland and interstate artists have entered 76 art works for the inaugural Seeing the Soul: Hoofbeats Sanctuary Art Prize and Exhibition at Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre this month.
The exhibition major sponsor is Bendigo Community Bank, Cooroy, the People’s Choice prize is sponsored by Sunshine Coast award-winning entrepreneur and speaker Natasha Coughlan, and the runners-up prize sponsors are HinterNoosa, Laguna Pest Control and Cooroy RSL and Citizens Clubs.
Prize winners were announced at the exhibition opening on Friday 31 March and the exhibition now continues until 30 April, during which all artworks will be for sale.
The diverse artworks depict horses at liberty, free from all forms of tack and saddlery across a wide range of media including painting, drawing, pastel, metal and found material sculpture, photography and digital.
Also on display will be a group of ceramic horse statues decorated by high-profile identities that will be sold by silent auction. These include former cricket great Glenn McGrath, Australian music icon Russell Morris, local food identity Matt Golinski, leading multidisciplinary Indigenous artist Tony Albert, Creek to Coast host Scott Hillier and AFL legend Nicky Winmar.
Category Prize Winner: Painting & Drawing: VERONICA SPITTLES, ‘Golden Hour’, Mixed media pyrography. W 140 x H 53 x D 4, $8000.00 (On Consignment).
“I took this image after Mack and Kazu had both smelt my pregnant belly. These big beautiful boys didn’t know how to show their affections for me (a stranger to them) so they started to groom each other. I felt so deeply moved by this tender moment and aimed to capture some of that magic here on the wood.”
According to Hoofbeats Sanctuary CEO, Barb Blaski, Seeing the Soul is a major fundraising initiative to support and promote the Sanctuary’s work by celebrating and showcasing equine art and raising awareness of mental health.
“We are so grateful to the artists for their generosity and support for our work and their genuine love of horses,” she said.
Peregian artist Jeannette Smith said: “I felt vulnerable painting this horse. I’m not an equine artist however wanted to be a part of this exhibition as I love this Sanctuary and its purpose… a refuge for horses and therapy for humans a special space where only the soul can be seen.”
Victorian sculptor and digital artist Gordon Hayward’s stated: “Beyond the aesthetics of my artworks, I hope to inspire a deeper appreciation for horses and raise awareness for the important work being done by this charity. By supporting their efforts to protect and care for horses in need, we can ensure that these remarkable animals continue to grace our world with their presence and enrich our lives in countless ways. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to use my art to make a positive impact and contribute to this important cause.”
Highly sought-after equine artist Terri Trivett said “Together we feel empowered, understood, supported, appreciated, inspired… loved. We find warmth in darkness and share joy, together. This canvas was painted in gratitude for our friends, families, partners, lovers, and especially our beautiful, generous horses who are ever there for us, teaching us and colouring our lives with happiness.”
From the total prize money of $15,000, prizes were awarded for overall winner, category winners and runners-up (painting/drawing, sculpture/3D and photography) and People’s Choice Award (announced 29 April). You can view the winners here.
ALISON KNIGHT, ‘Sensing the wind’, Ceramic sculpture. W 32 x H 30 x D 8, $490 (Donated). “
I hope to create and celebrate the connection between horses and humans. To experience the quiet, trusting gaze of a horse is the most beautiful thing. I hope that my sculptures can recreate a little of this magic that horses bring to our world.”
The Judges were Nina Shadforth, Sunshine Coast Art Collection Curator, Caloundra Regional Gallery and Yanni van Zijl, local artist.
A program of workshops and Artist Talks will be offered during the exhibition.
“Located at Doonan, Hoofbeats Sanctuary is a safe, restorative space that brings people, animals and nature together to improve the emotional well-being of some of the most vulnerable members of our community – those living with mental health challenges resulting from trauma,” Ms Blaski said.
“The Sanctuary is home to a herd of ten horses and ponies, most of which have experienced big life stressors in their lives, and so are the perfect teachers,” she said.
Find out more about purchasing artworks here.
Visit the website for more information and artist details: seeingthesoul.org.au.
Source: Event press release
