Queensland College of Art student Robyn Pell has beenrecognised by the Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, with her work taking centre stage at a prestigious awards ceremony.
Robyn won a commission to design and craft a series of trophies for the Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards.
Her striking designs featured copper as a base incorporating blue, to represent Queensland’s skies and sea, and yellow, to symbolise the state’s golden sunshine and sand.
Robyn was invited to present each of the 16 handcrafted trophies at a black-tie awards ceremony attended by more than500 guestsfrom the business community.
Robyn, in her second year of a Bachelor of Fine Artat the Queensland College of Art(QCA), said she was thrilled to have her work in the spotlight at such a high-profile event.
“I was so excited to have my designs selected,” she said.
“It was a real honour and a great way to kick start my career as a practicing artist.”
Griffith University Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian O’Connor, who attended the ceremony, said it was an example of the real world experience offered to students at Griffith.
Industry partnerships vital
“Industry partnerships are a vital part of the student experience at Griffith,” he said.
“I was delighted to see Robyn’s beautiful work in the spotlight at the event – it is a reflection of the high calibre of work coming out of the QCA.”
Export Council of Australia spokeswoman Richelle Ward said the awards allowed students to showcase their work in front of Queensland’s leading business and government leaders.
“This initiative provides students with a real life opportunity, as they are commissioned to produce artwork on deadline and within budget,” she said.
“Students are also given the advantage of presenting their work in front of the state’s top business executives.”
Robyn is an inspiration to everyone who thought they’d left it too late to follow their dream.
After raising two boys and helping out with the family business, the 47-year-old won a place at the Queensland College of Art as a mature-aged student.
“I’m so glad I bit the bullet – it’s the best decision I have ever made,” she said.
“I’m so passionate about my studies. Being at the QCA has really inspired new ways of working and allowed me to find my voice.”
Robyn has contributed to public art installations across the Logan region, including a series of mosaics at theLogan City Central Gardens and exhibitions at theLogan Art Gallery.