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Finding perfection in 'Reflections' - Art Competition Winners 2024
Tuesday, 17 December 2024
From breathtaking landscapes to deeply personal stories, our recently concluded annual Art Trail Competition was truly inspiring.
With 249 residents from 71 villages participating, this year’s theme, Reflections, brought out an incredible range of talent. It’s clear that there is no dearth of creativity in our villages and the perfection found in these artworks speaks for itself. The residents have shown just how talented they are in expressing themselves in their unique way. Their creations showcased an incredible range of styles and perspectives. Whether a literal reflection on water or a metaphorical dive into life’s moments, the creativity on display was nothing short of amazing.
Needless to say with an abundance of talent in our villages, judging wasn't an easy task. The judging panel included Keyton CEO Nathan Cockerill, Head of Marketing Sarah Hodgkins and last year's winner Jean Bates from Trinity Green in South Australia.
Residents also got in on the action, casting their votes for the Residents’ Choice Winner online. The 10 artworks along with a Resident Choice Winner were selected for the 2025 Resident Art Calendar that will be gifted to all residents this year. Here are the winners and their beautiful pieces of "Reflection."
Golden Reflection
Artist: Robyn Cowgill, Glenaeon, NSW
When I was eighteen, I dreamed of visiting Japan. While I've been fortunate to travel extensively throughout my life, I only fulfilled that dream in 2019. I painted this scene from a photo I took at the Temple of the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto. It is one of 17 locations making up the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, which are World Heritage listed. The Golden Pavilion is a place of beauty, tranquility and reflection.
"The pandemic and the isolation it brought, really drove home the importance of staying socially connected and reflecting on life’s moments to find happiness. Inspired by this, I wanted to capture the interplay of light and shadow in my artwork. With just a few simple brushstrokes, I depicted silhouetted figures, contrasting them against the bright, sunlit exterior beyond the patio. It’s a reflection of those quiet, thoughtful moments that bring warmth and perspective to our lives."
Reflecting on Breakfast
Artist: John Spittle, Bernborough Ascot, QLD
"As a housewarming gift, our son gave us a beautiful, bright and shiny chrome SMEG toaster. We decided to have a Perspex case made so that the toaster could sit on the bench for our friends and visitors to admire and many did. When we moved to North Lakes, the kitchen was smaller. At breakfast time, we were much closer to the toaster and that’s where the idea to try to paint the reflections was born. Not only did drawing, then painting the reflections pose a challenge, so did trying to depict the toaster’s metallic nature in watercolour. It took many washes and some finely detailed work to achieve the finished result. My motivation in painting the toaster was not only to capture the reflections, beautiful in themselves, but also to show Iris, my partner and me enjoying our morning cuppa. What might we be reflecting on? The breakfast we are just finishing, what we did on the weekend or what we're planning to do for the week?"
Mother's Day Flower
Artist: Jill Rendall, Lexington Gardens, VIC
"I chose to draw this image on the theme, firstly because I love the play of light on glass and water and the reflections created. Secondly, the flower in the vase was given to me for Mother’s Day by my sons. The drawing makes me reflect on the immense joy my sons have given me. Becoming a mother was the greatest gift I could have ever received. My sons were and still are, the light of my life and they have played a huge role in moulding and shaping me into the person I am today. I have been so blessed. I reflect with love and gratitude."
Alice Through the Looking Glass
Artist: Robyn Gregson, Elliot Gardens, SA
"The story of Alice in Wonderland is a celebration of imagination and curiosity that embraces the unexpected and questions the boundaries of reality. The reader is invited to reflect on the nature of identity, perception and the nonsense that happens in life. The story begins as Alice reflects through a looking glass. This quilting project started as black fabric. The design was drawn on and then painted. After the painting was complete, I quilted each design."
Little Dreamer
Artist: Carole Lees, Burwood Terrace, VIC
"The seldom seen, quiet reflections of a small child are precious. The still moments, before they are recharged and off and running again in joyful childhood play, are fleeting. Dadirri is a First Nations word meaning “inner deep listening and quiet still awareness and waiting.” My art invites others to pause, reflect and proves it’s never too late to pursue a passion."
Lorne Victoria, The Swing Bridge
Artist: Dallas Gardner, Henry Kendall Gardens, NSW
"I was on holiday, travelling the Great Ocean Road when I stayed in Lorne. I’d heard about how beautiful Lorne is and this bridge and its surroundings did not disappoint. Although the weather was not ideal — in June 2023, it was very cold but capturing the reflections of the bridge and the surrounding landscape was amazing."
"Dad said I could watch him paint"- Duke
Artist: Ray Klein, The Aerie at Narrabundah, ACT
"This artwork takes its inspiration from an oil painting by Norman Rockwell, titled "Triple Self Portrait". The work uses a series of photos shot in our villa garage and sets them against a neutral background. Our dog, Duke, is supervising the painting process to make sure the painted image and the reflection in the mirror are true."
I Spy with my Big Eye
Artist: Lynn Back, Hibiscus Chancellor Park, QLD
"The serene birds and shimmering reflections on the lakes near my home, served as the muse for this acrylic on canvas artwork. This piece has become a treasured family heirloom, loved by my 11-year-old grandson for the bird’s captivating beauty and the reflective glint in its eye. During school pick-ups, I often engage my grandkids in 'I Spy' games, weaving a rich tapestry of joyful memories I hope they will cherish forever. Through our shared laughter, we're building a legacy of love, wonder and happiness, much like the adored sacred kingfisher."
Beach at Eucla
Artist: Thea Glanvill, Waterford Park, VIC
"I painted this scene from a photo I took when I went with 21 residents from Waterford Park village on a bus trip across the Nullarbor. We played at the Nullarbor Links Golf Course, the longest course in the world. I have the painting hanging in my study and every time I look at it, I reflect on the wonderful two weeks I spent with my friends from our village."
Residents' Choice Winner
Autumn Morning Reflection
Artist: Ray Bowden, Ardency Kennedy Place, VIC
"The image was taken from the Altona Coastal Park, a suburb of Melbourne on a calm autumn morning using an Olympus camera. Fog shrouded the bay at sunrise but as the sun burned through, a fishing boat anchored not far off shore was revealed. The early morning light enhanced the vibrance of the colours and the calm water of the bay created a featureless background to create a minimalist image. The reflection of the fishing boat was mirror-like in the perfectly calm waters of Port Phillip Bay."
For more information about the lifestyle and support offered at our retirement villages, call our customer service team on 1800 550 550 or send us an email here.
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