Jane Flowers has won the 2014 ANL Maritime Art Award announced at the opening of the Mission to Seafarers Maritime Arts Awards and Exhibition, Docklands Melbourne. The exhibition aims to promote excellence in maritime subjects in art and assists in raising the profile of seafarers worldwide. The art prize has grown in stature since its inaugural exhibition in 2002 and today it is one of Australia’s premier celebrations of maritime art. Her oil on canvas works ‘David and Goliath’, won the coveted award with a prize of $15,000. A landscape and seascape artist for over 20 years, Flowers has been a frequent finalist and was named the MtSV people’s choice winner in 2009.
Mission to Seafarers Victoria (MtSV) Ceo, Andrea Fleming says, the exhibited works reoccurring theme ‘the relationship between humanity and the Sea’, convey the importance of the ongoing work of the Mission, which is to provide for the welfare of individuals from all over the globe that make a living on the worlds seas. According to Ms Flowers, “Container ships ply our supply routes but become incapacitated behemoths at destination. Time for the plucky tugs with their no nonsense push pull attitude – the rulers of the ports” she concluded.
This exhibition is major fundraiser for The Mission to Seafarers and visitation creates awareness for the Mission and its purpose. Since it’s inaugural exhibition in 2002, The Art Prize and Exhibition has grown steadily and today it is one of the most prestigious maritime art shows in Australia with over 200 entries and 70 finalists selected. It continues to give maritime art a platform and supports financially the sustainability of the MtSV and it’s services. For the first time all 200 entries will be for sale via online enquiry.
Ms Flowers from Portarlington, is a keen diver, beachcomber, sailor and adventurer; she is passionate about the protection of wildlife and marine life in Australia’s natural eco systems. First time entrant Ben Sheers, was awarded the Neville and Co Runner Up $2000 prize for his work ‘Gifts’ combining the genres of still life and maritime painting and 3rd place to the only non Victorian finalist, Mr Ian Chapman, from Sydney NSW for work ‘Shipwrights’ depicting trawler construction at Taree on the Manning River, NSW.
Judges Felicity St John Moore Art Historian and Lecturer and Graeme H. Williams Art Scholar and Curator, CIMAM (International Committee for Modern Art). Honoured Highly Commended, Sally West for Boats from Kuraba Plein Air, Herman Pekel work ‘Williamstown’ and Joni Dennis titled ‘Easy Work. The Mission to Seafarers Victoria categories include, The ANL Maritime Art Award, ASP Group Best in Traditional Maritime Art Award and Bendigo Wealth Emerging Maritime Artist Award.
ASP Best in Traditional Award $5,000 awarded to, Peter Roccella who has only recently re-embraced his passion for art his work Ship Docked at the Mouth of the Maribynong, 2nd place Bridgit Thomas ‘Mirabella Rope Boat Fender’ drawing, 3rd place first time entrant from China, Chijian Ye. Work ‘Terminal sunrise.’
Bendigo Wealth Emerging Artist Award $5,000 1st place Jeremy Lamont for ‘Fading Seacraft’ employed as an architectural illustrator, Lamont has a degree in fine arts and has been tirelessly painting to refine his skills. 2nd place Jenny Viney for ‘Pipeworks’, medium pen ink and acrylic, 3rd place, first time entrant Bronwyne Raven Purrula and Meg O’Shannessy.
Winners and All finalists will be available to view on line at www.missiontoseafarers.com.au
The Mission to Seafarers Victoria (MtSV), Docklands
Until October 31, 2014
David and Goliath, Jane Flowers , Oil on Canvas
