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Stunning word art works wonders for Luke
A former graffiti artist with a talent for creating dramatic word art has won a prestigious annual prize at the University of the Sunshine Coast Gallery.
Luke Van Lathum, 22, of Yeppoon, claimed the $500 Proost/De Deyne Prize for presenting the best portfolio of advanced-level USC Design students for 2009.
The judges were JosephMark Brisbane’s managing director Ben Johnston and creative director Jess Huddart, along with Big Kart Track managing director and award sponsor Ferre De Deyne.
Luke’s victory was announced at the USC Gallery on Thursday 12 November at the opening of the students’ resolution through design exhibition, attended by about 360 people.
The exhibition features the portfolios of students who are about to embark on careers in marketing, advertising, multimedia and communication.
Luke, who developed his flair for art through graffiti when he was younger, said he was surprised and thrilled to have won the Proost/De Deyne Prize and was now weighing up his career options.
“I have received so many offers of work, I’m not really sure which one to take at this stage,” he said.
Mr De Deyne said he was impressed by Luke’s work and was confident the student had a bright future ahead of him.
Runners-up were Nick Glavin and Karl Short, while highly commended awards went to Rikki Lancaster, Hannah Divine, Emma O'Reilly and Mitch Reyes.
The Students' Choice for the Most Creative Portfolio went to Karl Short, with Farley Cameron runner-up. Milan Chagoury won the Lecturer’s Award for Innovation and Design.
The resolution through design exhibition will continue at the USC Gallery until Saturday 21 November. Admission is free and the Gallery is open from 10am to 4pm Mondays to Saturdays.
— Terry Walsh