Gliding her way to SWELL success

It was third time lucky for local artist, Colleen Lavender, at this year's SWELL Sculpture Festival.

Her artwork, Glide, took out the prestigious Kombumerri Aboriginal Corporation Indigenous Artist Award, which was presented during the festival’s official opening at the SWELL Fringe Pavilion earlier this month – an achievement Ms Lavender said was overwhelming.

“I was a teary mess, I have to tell you,” said Ms Lavender, of the moment she won the award.

“It's so beautiful to be recognised by your peers.”

Ms Lavender has long been acknowledged as an influential artist in the Scenic Rim.

She has been commissioned by Scenic Rim Regional Council to provide several artworks over the years, including the landmark Scenic Rim entry statement near Waters Creek Bridge at Beaudesert.

Glide, however, holds a special place in Ms Lavender's heart, having been inspired by personal experience.

“This sculpture was about paying homage to your girlfriends and how they lift you up when you need it,” Ms Lavender said.

“All these women were just so damn supportive and it was beautiful.

“I really wanted to thank them. It's a really positive, beautiful side of society that we really need at the moment.”

Scenic Rim Community, Arts and Culture Portfolio Councillor Michael Enright said Ms Lavender’s award was well-deserved.

“Colleen is an incredibly talented artist and an award like this gives her the recognition she truly deserves,” he said.

“It is a testament to her skill, as is the calibre of work she consistently produces for Scenic Rim Regional Council.

“One upcoming piece that I cannot wait to see is a way finder entry into Tamborine Village, which was awarded to Colleen by the Scenic Rim Arts Reference Group after she was chosen from a pool of sculptors from across Queensland.

“Another piece, a three-panel hexagonal tempered glass work celebrating the Australian bee, will stand proudly at the front of the Beaudesert Museum.”

To find out more about how Scenic Rim Regional Council supports artists such as Colleen Lavender, visit www.scenicrim.qld.gov.au/grants-funding-awards.