JENNA PICKERING
Brushstrokes of Triumph
Crafting Stories on the Canvas of Art Awards
In this gallery of accomplishment, each award is more than a personal triumph; it's a celebration of shared joy in the realm of artistry. Beyond accolades, these awards narrate the story of the person behind the canvas—their passion, dedication, and the tales woven into each masterpiece.
Shaun Tan Award 2010
Runner up
Igniting My Artistic Adventure
At the age of 12, securing the runner-up position in the Shaun Tan Young Artist Award not only acknowledged my budding talent but also ignited the flame of my artistic journey. This prestigious recognition served as a catalyst, propelling me into a lifelong exploration of creativity and expression. Grateful for the early encouragement, I carry forward the spark ignited by that first significant achievement, shaping the path of my artistic endeavors.
Lester Prize 2023
Finalist
"Paul Kelly"
The Lester Prize, a not-for-profit organization founded in 2007, serves as a dedicated platform for artists to showcase their portraiture works in Western Australia.
In 2022, I proudly stood among the 40 finalists, selected from an impressive pool of 700 entries submitted by artists from across Australia. My contribution to this esteemed group was a portrait capturing the essence of the renowned singer Paul Kelly.
Bold Title
2023 Cossack Award
Overall Winner
"Looking Beyond"
The City of Karratha Cossack Art Awards showcased a distinctive regional art competition featuring over 280 artworks from across the nation.
I'm thrilled to share that my piece, "Looking Beyond," earned the prestigious title of Best Overall Artwork. The judges praised it as "a work of art in the human form," applauding its ability to capture memories, imperfections, and details through the lens of both past and present. They noted a gentle exterior concealing the pain and sorrow experienced, adding layers of depth to the piece.
City of Karratha Mayor Peter Long echoed the sentiment, describing "Looking Beyond" as a beautifully detailed, realistic, and emotive painting that left a lasting impression on him. The recognition from both judges and Mayor Long underscores the profound impact of art in conveying the complexities of the human experience.
My muse was Malgana elder Joyce Drummond
Mid West Art Prize 2023
Finalist
"Together as one"
Indigenous Australian culture eloquently depicts the interconnectedness of all life on Earth, emphasizing a sense of unity that resonates deeply. This profound message of oneness is skillfully conveyed through mediums such as oil on bark, where the natural canvas enhances the artwork's inherent beauty.
In this distinctive piece, the amalgamation of indigenous wisdom and artistic expression serves to capture the very essence of Indigenous culture, as seen through the eyes of my muse, Brendon.
Beyond the strokes of oil on bark, Brendan's portrayal radiates a profound warmth, embodying the nurturing embrace of a teacher.
This captivating artwork earned its place in the Mid-West Art Prize, a highly esteemed exhibition hosted at the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery in the City of Greater Geraldton. Here, the fusion of indigenous wisdom and artistic prowess adds a vibrant thread to the rich cultural tapestry celebrated in this prestigious showcase.
Darlington Arts Festival 2023
First Prize - Painting
"Dream curls"
Whilst Wayne Stevens sat for me his fingers continuously fiddled through his hair.
The way his fingers looped around each strand as his stories of youth were told, my entire being was in awe. The glisten of the light hitting the silver highlights just right, was enough to make my gaze fixate.
I have only ever know Wayne to be silver. As though in my mind I can’t seem to process that he could ever have been a child like myself. But as the silver strands shine, and the years show. My attention is brought back to his voice and the youth beams through with each word, as if he is still that same young boy in the stories.
Lester Prize 2024
Tony Fine Foundation Artist Prize
& Ashurst Emerging Artist Prize
"Together as one"
Gascoyne Art Awards 2024
First Prize - Human Form
"Turn the lights on"
From the moment I saw Wayne I was hooked. At first I was drawn in by those curls. Those lavish silver locks and the stories they carried. The smile so cheeky, reminiscent to that of a naughty school boy. But then he spoke. And to me all that was inside of him became outside.
When I paint someone I see more than their external features. I see it all. I feel it all. The beauty of a person is not held only in the features that lie on their body. Its held in their laugh. It’s held in their stories. It’s held in their embrace. And for these Wayne is beyond compare.
To see someone for only their external selves is to see them with the lights turned off. To miss all that makes them, them. When you see Wayne, make sure the lights are turned on. That way you will see him I how I see him.