Shire grant helps shape artist’s new work

LOCAL artist Brittany March is exploring a new direction in sculpture with backing from a creative grants program run by the Surf Coast Shire.

March is one of nine individual and group grant recipients through the shire’s annual DEVELOP program which supports emerging, mid-career and established creatives.

Individuals can receive $3,000 and groups $5,000.

March’s creative practice focuses primarily on fine art, drawing inspiration from the natural world for hyper-realistic drawings and paintings. She is also skilled in graphic design and illustration, leads workshops, and tutors.

Her DEVELOP project is taking her into personally unexplored territory as she works with clay, silicone and fibreglass to create a prototype sculpture of a southern right whale, measuring up to one-metre in length.

The DEVELOP grant is enabling the project and supporting mentoring for March from Surf Coast sculptor Mark Trinham.

She will also receive training in fibreglass casting at a Torquay surfboard factory.

“This project will deepen my creative practice by developing skills needed to transition into public sculpture,” March said.

 

“The subject of the work is inspired by the Surf Coast’s rich marine environment and the iconic migration of the southern right whale. I have always loved wildlife, and creating artwork which honours the natural world.

“As a surfer as well going into the ocean most days you naturally have a connection with nature and wild places I guess, and I think it’s nice that the project involves the surf industry. Obviously Torquay was kind of born from the surf industry, so it’s a nice little nod.” Cr Leon Walker congratulated all nine recipients

“The DEVELOP program is all about enabling artists to advance their careers and portfolios by exploring new directions or realising long-held concepts,” he said.

“We commend each of this year’s recipients on their vision and willingness to further challenge themselves, and we look forward to seeing their inspiring projects flourish.”

March said she was surprised and delighted to be named among recipients. She had never applied for a grant before, but felt rewarded for the work she put into her submission.

She advised aspiring DEVELOP applicants to prepare with care, focus and commitment.

“Take your time with your application and thoroughly plan how you are going to do your project. I think that was really helpful for me,” she said.

For more information, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au/DEVELOP