Local artists handcraft Australia Day awards trophy
Local multimedia artist Tohm Hajncl and award winning ceramic artist Kari have joined forces to design the 2017 Sunshine Coast Australia Day Awards trophy.
Local multimedia artist Tohm Hajncl and award winning ceramic artist Kari have joined forces to design the 2017 Sunshine Coast Australia Day Awards trophy.
This unique collaboration has resulted in a design that will not only be a trophy, but a work of art for the Australia Day award recipients.
Tohm Hajncl specialises in funky pieces created from locally sourced reclaimed metals and timbers in the assemblage style, while Kari specialises in high-fired, quality ceramic pieces with environmental themes.
The trophy was selected from five designs by a judging panel after an extensive Expression of Interest process.
It will feature a ceramic piece mounted on a timber and metal stand, hand crafted from local clay, local timbers with local leaf designs printed on the ceramic.
Tohm Hajncl said locality and connection to place were the key ideas behind this concept.
“Australia Day Award recipients are often individuals who lead and inspire our community in various ways,” Mr Hajncl said.
“I’m so proud to have been chosen to create the trophy that will recognise and give thanks to these wonderful people in our community.
“These special individuals and community groups are paving the way, forging a path, and the award trophies will be reflective of a gentle pathway forged across local landscape.”
Kari said the forest floor, a path of leaves, and a gentle footprint were her inspiration.
“The leaves for the design have been very specially chosen, and my father did the drawings for me” Kari said.
“They are all species endemic to the Sunshine Coast and have been selected for their special character and importance to this region, reflective of the qualities that our award recipients embody.
“Some leaves are pioneer species used in revegetation, others are rare and endangered species, including a birdwing butterfly vine leaf.”
The 2017 awards will coincide with the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Naming of the Sunshine Coast. As a special recognition of this milestone the artists will carve the plate with two wave forms referencing design elements from the 50th anniversary logo.
Mayor Mark Jamieson said the awards provided an opportunity for the community to publicly show our appreciation for, and honour the achievements of, outstanding individuals and organisations in our community.
“We are lucky to be surrounded by so many individuals in our community who work to make the Sunshine Coast a better place,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“These people make a real difference to life on the Sunshine Coast and it’s important that we celebrate their contribution.”
If you know a person, community group or organisation worthy of an award, nominate them now in one of the following categories:
- Citizen of the Year, sponsored by 7 News Sunshine Coast
- Young Citizen of the Year, sponsored by University of the Sunshine Coast
- Senior Citizen on the Year, sponsored by Maroochy RSL
- Community – Group or Organisation, sponsored by Sunshine Coast Daily
- Environment, sponsored by Living Smart Sunshine Coast
- Creative, sponsored by TAFE Queensland East Coast
- Sport and Recreation, sponsored by Sunshine Coast Sports Federation.
Nominations close on December 9, 2016. You can nominate online or entry kits can be downloaded here or collected from customer service centres and libraries.