Lorne photographic prize returns with new theme

LORNE Community Connect’s (LCC) photographic prize is back for a second year, and the community is encouraged to submit works that explore the routines and rituals that mark our lives.

This year, Torquay artist and Deakin University lecturer Dean De Landre has stepped into the role of exhibition curator.

He said the Routines and Rituals theme was chosen for both its broad application and its capacity to surprise, and he was hoping for a “varied response” that showcases “a slice of life”.

“You could apply the idea to yourself and your own personal life. You could apply it to things that you’re seeing in the world, so other people’s routines and their comings and goings,” De Landre said.

“But also, that allows space for nature. Someone might interpret it as something to do with the changing of the seasons.”

With so many different ways to approach the theme, De Landre’s advice is to take the time to observe the rituals unfolding around you, whether that be weekly bin night, a morning coffee or a pre-dawn surf.

But ultimately, he said: “My advice would be not to be intimidated by it and just do it.”

Entrants can submit up to three photographic works of any size and all submissions must have been taken within the last two years.

“Most people have a camera in their pockets… and there’s no parameter that stops someone from entering a phone photo,” De Landre said.

“That’s something I really like with photography – and I try to stress this, too – the best photo could be a printed out one from Officeworks.”

LCC president Wendy Hutchinson said the organisation was excited to build on the success of last year’s event, which saw the introduction of prizes to its annual Easter photography exhibition for the first time.

A $1,000 prize will again be awarded to this year’s winner, while $500 in printing services at Bells Fine Arts will be presented to the runner up, with Geelong Gallery director and chief executive Jason Smith signed on as exhibition judge.

The shortlist for the prize, and the works selected for exhibition in LCC’s Easter photography show, will be announced on March 10, with the winners set to be crowned on the opening night of Routines and Rituals on April 17.

For more information, or to make a submission before the February 21 deadline, head to lornecommunityconnect.com.au

Anyone who has difficulties submitting their works through the website is encouraged to contact LCC by email at [email protected]