Indigenous student wins major art prize

Postgraduate student Yhonnie Scarce recognised for her art glass work with the Qantas Encouragement of Australian Contemporary Art Award.

Monash postgraduate student Yhonnie Scarce has received the Qantas Encouragement of Australian Contemporary Art Award.

In recognition of her work, Ms Scarce has received a $10,000 travel allowance and $20,000 towards expenses to pursue her research and develop her career overseas.

“I was surprised that I won the award, but it really is a dream come true. It is wonderful recognition for the many years I have spent developing my work and trying to make it as an artist,” Ms Scarce said.

“I will travel overseas later in the year and on the itinerary will include all the finest  galleries including the Louvre in Paris, the Tate galleries and the Guggenheim in New York.”

Ms Scarce is an Art Glass artist and has just started her two year masters degree in Fine Arts (by research) and is based at the Caulfield campus.

Ms Scarce was nominated for the award and required to submit 10 photographs of her work, which included pieces from her art glass collection featuring aboriginal bush foods.

“I try to recreate objects from the traditional environments of indigenous people and present them in a way that is creative and pushes the boundaries of what we consider to be art representative of aboriginal people,” Ms Scarce said.

Ms Scarce is the first indigenous glassblower in Australia and says she is comfortable in the role.

“My cultural background is a mix of European and Aboriginal influences. Being able to recreate my heritage through art is a perfect way to explore my history. In my work, I try to achieve the perfect balance between the European artistic medium (blown glass) with traditional aboriginal concepts and objects,” Ms Scarce said.