From a forgotten passion to award-winning artistry – that's the remarkable transformation Holly has undergone!
We are thrilled to celebrate Holly, the 2024 Overall Outstanding VET student of the year with Diploma of Visual Arts CUA51120. Her artistic journey is a captivating story of rediscovering a passion, embracing challenges, and ultimately achieving artistic excellence.
Holly's passion for visual arts began in high school, but life took her on a different path after graduation. "When I left high school," she explains, "I forgot those roots a bit." However, the creative spark within her remained. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Holly found herself reflecting on her passions and reconnected with her love for drawing. This led her to Melbourne Polytechnic, where she embarked on a journey of artistic exploration in the Diploma of Visual Arts CUA51120.
Holly's artistic focus gravitated towards her local environment, specifically the local Preston Market. She states, "For the last couple of years, I've really been focusing on my local area. Preston Market was a big theme, just like humans in their daily lives." This local inspiration is evident in her artwork, including a piece featuring a man with a bright green car – a symbol that captures the vibrancy of suburban life.
Throughout her studies, Holly consistently pushed herself out of her comfort zone, particularly when participating in exhibitions. "Every time I am in an exhibition, it's getting out of my comfort zone," she reflects.
This dedication to overcoming self-doubt and showcasing her work is a testament to Holly's artistic growth. "You go to galleries all the time and you look at work and think of someone's analysing your sort of painting," she says, "It's like, oh, every time I am in a show, it gets a little easier. It's kind of like exposure therapy."
As the 2024 Outstanding Diploma of Visual Arts CUA51120 student, Holly's achievement is a beacon of inspiration for aspiring artists. Her story emphasises the importance of reigniting passions, embracing challenges, and believing in one's creative potential. When asked for advice for others pursuing their artistic dreams, Holly offers a powerful message: "Don't listen to the inner critic. That would be my main piece of advice."
Holly's artistic journey reminds aspiring artists everywhere to embrace local beauty, push boundaries, and never let self-doubt stifle their creative spirit. We have no doubt that her artistic journey will continue to flourish!