LORNE COMMUNITY CONNECT ARTS PRECINCT – ANNUAL PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION

Are you passionate about photography?  Do you find beauty in the everyday moments of life?  If so, we invite you to participate in this year’s exhibition. “Routine and Ritual” is this year’s theme for the annual photographic exhibition held at Lorne Community Connect Arts Precinct over the Easter period.  The exhibition is being curated by Dean De Landre, who is an artist and lecturer at Deakin University, living in Torquay.

Lorne Community Connect Arts Precinct is committed to the promotion of photography as a vital part of our artistic expression and our shared past.  Early photographic images are an important part of the record of Lorne’s history, post European settlement.  The works of Toggy Anderson and Albert Jarratt form an important part of the collection held by the Lorne Historical Society.  Albert Jarratt (1880-1962) was a pioneer photographer working for Rose Postcards.  He fell in love with the beauty of Lorne and established his photography business in Lorne in 1910.  Albert’s photography was captured on glass plate negatives and brilliantly presents the light on Louttit Bay through the gumtrees.  When his business was sold his account was one of the oldest on Kodak Australia books.

Photographs will continue to be a vital part of our recorded memory and artistic expression.  Therefore, the committee of Lorne Community Connect Arts Precinct is committed to the promotion of photography through the Annual Easter Photography Exhibition.  In doing so, we aim to encourage both established and emerging photographers to exhibit.

Tanner Coolhaas winner of the 2024 Photographic Exhibition Prize

From Left to Right: Anna Reynolds, (judge), Tanner Coolhass, (24 winner), Janusz Molinski, (judge),Lexie Leonard, (24 winner),Stephanie Campbell, (judge).

The future recording of history will, I suspect, rely more upon images than the written word as journals, letters, personal diaries and postcards are used rarely and are being replaced by digital platforms.  Digital technologies have allowed and encouraged people to communicate perhaps more effectively via platforms such as Instagram.

The following is a message from the curator explaining his choice of this year’s theme “Routine and Ritual” for the exhibition.

“Life is marked by routines and rituals for both people and nature.  Some are biologically driven, like nightly sleep or birthdays, others by necessity or choice – weekly bin night, a morning coffee or pre-dawn surf.

Similarly, the natural world has its own versions, the shifting of the tides, changing of the seasons, the annual spectacle of migrating whales.

What connects these events is that they serve as bookmarks, a measure to keep stock of time.  Routines and rituals we passively anticipate, some we mourn as they pass, and others we eagerly await coming around again.”  Dean De Landre, Curator

The exhibition is an excellent way to display photographic works in a professional, but relaxed setting.  The works displayed will be seen by art enthusiasts, fellow photographers and potential buyers.  Your interpretation of “Routine and Ritual” may encourage others to see the beauty in our daily lives, stimulate conversations about what may otherwise go unnoticed.  This is your opportunity to display your work and to share your unique perspective on the rhythms that shape our lives.

ENTRIES for the exhibition are now open.  The details can be found on the Lorne Community Connect website:  lornecommunityconnect.com.au

PRIZES:  Selected works will be featured with opportunities for awards.  There are two major prizes awarded this year.  First prize is $1,000 sponsored by Mantra Lorne.  Second prize is $500 of printing services sponsored by Bell Fine Arts.

We are honoured that the judge for this year’s exhibition is Jason Smith, director and chief executive officer of the Geelong Gallery who will be stepping into the director’s role of the Art Gallery of South Australia.  We thank Jason for his commitment to support smaller rural precincts, at what is a very busy time for him.

The exhibition will be opened on Thursday 17^th of April 6.00pm to 7.30pm.  The exhibition dates are April 18 – 28.

Behind every routine and ritual there is a story.  This year’s exhibition will celebrate the extraordinary and ordinary moments that are part of daily living.  I do encourage you to support the artists in the following ways:

IF I WISH TO, HOW CAN I HELP?

Firstly, it will be helpful if members of the community encourage photographers, both professional and amateur to enter the show.  Secondly, attend the opening night and thirdly, encourage friends and visitors to attend the show (free entry) from April 18 – 28.  Fourthly, volunteer for a session during the show to attend the front desk.

Gary Allen

A word from the chairman

Hello

Lorne celebrated Australia Day in style over a long weekend of great weather, busy beaches, crowds everywhere and music at multiple venues.  Saturday kicked off with the very popular Foreshore market, raising funds for the Lorne school.  On Sunday there was live music at both the Lorne and Pacific hotels.  The Aquatic Club had a busy day with a well-supported fishing competition followed by a fundraising BBQ for the local CFA which raised in excess of $3,300.  Just when things seemed to be quietening down, on came the Blues Bus Band which got everyone dancing.  A fitting end to a summer carnival of fun in which we have been blessed with the best weather in years.  Congratulations to all our hospitality and accommodation providers who cope with the influx of many thousand visitors and serve them with care, courtesy and respect.  Well done.

And then there was Monday! High temperatures and strong winds combined with a long dry spell reminded us of our vulnerability to bushfires.  Thankfully there were no significant events but we know we need to continue to be on alert.  And maybe we are ready for a decent downpour!

*****

As our children (and teachers) return to school, or start for the first time, we wish them well.  It will take some adjustment to get into a new routine after the freedom of summer, but the making or renewing of friendships will ease the pain and look, here comes another weekend!  Special mention to our own Carly Stafford and her dedicated team at Lorne P-12 College.

For those of us who are lucky enough to remain in Lorne, this week we were able to witness the start of the Cadel Evans Surf Coast Classic Races from Lorne to Torquay. The races, which are sanctioned by UCI (the world cycling body), attract the best cycling teams in the world, bringing visitors to our town and showcasing our beautiful environment.

*****

And now a new word for you, “quishing”.  If you haven’t heard about it, it’s the latest scam using QR (quick response) codes to access information from or download malware (bad stuff) onto your mobile phone.  We all became used to QR codes during Covid and many of us accept them at face value.  However, they may not be what they seem.  They are a convenient way to follow a link to a website, but it may not be the website you think.  There have even been instances where fraudulent QR codes have been stuck over QR code readers in hospitality venues.  Do not scan QR codes in emails unless the email is from a trusted source and think twice before you use a QR code reader.  If I have confused or concerned you, talk to your children (or grandchildren).

Interestingly another use of QR codes is on tombstones, where the code links to the obituary or life-story of the deceased. RIP!

Cheers

John

Lorne Ward Events Calendar

February

21 – 2025 Photographic Prize – Routine and Ritual Competition, closes 21 Feb 2025. Shortlist announced 10 Mar 25. Info: lornecommunityconnect.com.au

March

9 – Lorne Aquatic & Angling Club – Major Fishing Competition No 2, Weigh cut off 12.30pm. Free roast lunch for competitors, $10 non-fishing members.                  

30 – Deans Marsh Festival, Live music, local harvest, market stalls, dog jumping, kids events and much more. 10 am – 6pm at Deans Marsh Reserve.

April              

18-28 – 2025 Photographic Exhibition Routine and Ritual. Info: lornecommunityconnect.com.au

20 – Lorne Aquatic & Angling Club – Major Fishing Competition No 3, Weigh cut off 12.30pm. Free roast lunch for competitors, $10 non-fishing members.