RUSSELL Island-based glass artist Kaylene Higgs has won the 2024 Queensland Regional Art Awards People’s Choice section.
The former graphic artist said it was confirmation that she was on the right track after her decades-long career in Queensland eco-tourism development, sales and marketing was cut short by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The hiatus provided the momentum to take my 20-year passion in kiln-formed art pieces from a hobby to a career,” she said.
The acquisition of a new, larger kiln in 2024 allowed her to design and exhibit larger pieces like Under One Sun. However, this was the first time she had entered such a prestigious exhibition
“I am so humbled to have had my work acknowledged by the community when there were so many other amazing pieces of art they could have voted for,” Kaylene said.
“This award gives me motivation to continue and expand my 20-year love affair of working with kiln-formed glass from my Russell Island- based Sandy Beach Studio.”
Kaylene sells small art pieces at the local Southern Moreton Bay Markets, and has exhibited at local galleries including Russell Islands, Macleay Island Arts Centre, Straddievarious and the School House Gallery.
The theme of the 2024 QRAA was Resolution, with Kaylene’s glass artwork Under One Sun supported by the following artist statement:
“I love the alchemy of glass fusing.
“With diametric characteristics, glass can be fluid, sharp, strong, yet so very fragile, it can be bold and colourful, yet totally invisible.
“The process of glass fusing is not unlike the process of resolution. Applying enough warmth to diffuse the tension between individual elements without losing their structural integrity, and re-
assembling together to form a functioning and appealing outcome.
“Under One Sun captures this ideology. Each individual fractured piece tenaciously holding together, without losing its brilliance, reforms under heat and becomes part of the flow.
“My choice of amber glass signifies slowing down. Stepping back enables self-reflection in the background, seeing through to the beauty of the overall concept – that we are all together Under the One Sun.”
Kaylene’s winning art piece is on exhibition at 33 Charlotte St, Brisbane until January 29. She received prizes from TAFE Queensland and Flying Arts Alliance.
Queensland Regional Arts Awards (QRAA) has Australia’s largest regional arts award prize pool of over $140,000.
