Three first places at the national Young Designer Awards

By Kennedy Anderson from ACG Strathallan, winner of Photography section, Young Designers Awards

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ACG Strathallan scoops three first places at the national Young Designer Awards

1 October 2014, Karaka. ACG Strathallan is thrilled with the Young Designer Awards 2014 results. The design students have scooped three 1st placings and with seven of the ten ACG Strathallan entrants receiving a place the school is consistently showing they are producing some of the Country’s top designers year in, year out.

“The design students have worked so hard with their pieces, and I’m really pleased that their dedication has produced such impressive results. The standard of work submitted was exceptional; this was mirrored by the exciting commitment and enthusiasm each student displays for their chosen area of study,” says Michelle Le Vesconte, teacher of Design at ACG Strathallan.

ACG Strathallan is an advocate of external competitions because gaining a place at a nationally renowned competition allows the student to enhance their testimonials and CVs for entry to university making them stand out from the crowd in highly competitive fields. Competitions such as the YDA encourage the students to expand their skill base from the exam syllabus, making them more successful in end of year exams.

The first places included Kennedy Anderson, Year 12 for his photography and Logan Moffat, Year 13 for his painting. Logan also was selected as a finalist in the prestigious Adam Portraiture Competition earlier in the winter. His painting in this exhibition and at the YDA focused on working with a group of people at Auckland City Mission, listening to their stories to aid his study on The Homeless in portrait.

Year 11 student Eva Dooley came 1st equal in the 2D Drawing and Painting, Intermediate section. Eva used her immigration from England to New Zealand for inspiration for her final work. This creates a very personal feel to the work and evokes a sense of nostalgia. Eva’s use of the Kingfisher bird suggests the flight and movement across land.

Eva says “After moving to New Zealand from England, I have been inspired by the natural surroundings, flora and fauna of this country. As well as a New Zealand theme, it was important to me that my art also served as a reminder of my roots. I wanted my final piece to carry a message, which would raise questions and provoke interest to the observer”. This is the first time a Year11 art student has entered for this category.

Robin Kirkham, ACG Strathallan principal says, “The artwork these students produce is exceptional. They put the time in to hone their skills and we are delighted to help them on their journey.”

In the last four years ACG Strathallan has entered the YDA they have received 38 placings with 16 of them being firsts. In this time they have also received four honourable mentions and the top Award of Young Designer of the Year.

ENDS

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