Outstanding postgraduate design students are carrying out cutting-edge honours research at the Queensland College of Art, thanks to scholarships from local arts organisations.
From little things big things grow
Bachelor of Creative and Interactive Media graduate Jayden Allen is pushing the boundaries of art and science with pioneering work that uses high definition photography to 3D map objects.
This technique is known as photogrammetry, and Jayden plans to use it to create large-scale models of microscopic objects. His research project will have applications in art, education, medical research and beyond.
“Photogrammetry can be expensive, so the extra funds will allow me to make my Honours project the best it can be,” he said.
“It’s great to see local people with a passion for art and design are throwing their support behind emerging artists.”
Supporting emerging artists
The young Gold Coast designer won the Australian Decorative Fine Art Society (ADFAS) Gold Coast Scholarship to complete his Honours degree at the QCA.
The scholarship supports promising art and design students at Honours level — through equipment or material purchases, hosting exhibitions or travel to extend their networks.
ADFAS Gold Coast Chair Patricia Ruzzene said the organisation was thrilled to support emerging artists.
“We decided to make an investment in arts education several years ago, and we are delighted to be able to give Gold Coast artists a helping hand,” she said.
“The relationship we’ve forged with the Queensland College of Art has been wonderful, and it’s so rewarding to see each of the recipients follow their dreams.”
Making a difference with design
Bachelor of Industrial Design graduate Ashley Llambias won a Friends of the Arts Foundation scholarship to complete an Honours project that will improve life for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Her research project involves creating mobile eye-tracking glasses for young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Ashley has first-hand experience of living with health issues, and wanted to use her design skills to help make a difference.
“I have narcolepsy which can make day to day tasks challenging, but I get a lot of support from the university which I am very grateful for,” she said.
“I am so passionate about this research project. With support from the Griffith design, engineering and psychology departments I’m hoping to create a device that is suitable for the variety of needs these children have.”
A life-changing opportunity
Ashley said the scholarship would help fund the materials and technology needed to make her vision a reality.
“Knowing that I can afford to push my research even further is life changing,” she said.
“This scholarship has opened a lot of doors for me, and it will make a huge impact on the studio research, design and building I’ll need to conduct to complete this project.
After completing her Honours, the talented designer is keen to embark on a PhD that shines a spotlight on designing for disability and education.
Friends of the Arts Foundation President Ian Kennedy said the organisation was committed to fostering the careers of local artists.
“The Gold Coast arts scene has grown in a really exciting way and we are proud to support young artists at the beginning of their journey,” he said.
Grassroots support
Honours Program Director Dr Lorraine Marshalsey said the annual scholarships opened a world of opportunity for recipients.
“A host of talented recipients have benefited from the support of ADFAS Gold Coast and the Friends of the Arts Foundation,” she said.
“The resulting Honours projects are allowing students to expand their research in exciting ways.”
For more information on supporting students at the Queensland College of Art, click here.