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Design student rings in new career
For 19-year-old University of the Sunshine Coast graphic design student Jody Horne, it all started when her mobile phone kept ringing. Or so she thought.
When the former Kawana Waters State College student realised it was actually “phantom ringing” – a paranoid sensation associated with reliance on modern technology – she used it as inspiration for her first exhibited artwork.
And at the first night of the Re:Generate student display at the USC Gallery, Jody’s 90cm x 90cm digital illustration on canvas found instant success.
“I wasn’t expecting anything and I’ve only got the one piece on display,” she said of her moody work “Colourful Benefits, Dark Impacts”, which shows a girl overwhelmed by technology.
Then a young man approached Jody, took out his wallet and said he wanted to buy the piece on the spot for his wife, who had admired it earlier.
“He wanted to take it home on opening night!” she said. “And since then another potential buyer has contacted me.”
While surprised by the $420 sale – her first – Jody said it had given her great confidence for an artistic career after she finishes her USC design course next year.
She only developed a passion for drawing and illustrating after leaving high school, switching from previous interests in dance and drama performance.
“I really enjoy the typography and art history lectures and would love a career in magazine layout,” she said.
Jody’s artistic flair was encouraged by her mum Jenny Edwards who owns Jenart Gallery and Studio at Mooloolaba.
The works of 50 advanced Design students form the Re:Generate exhibition at the USC Gallery until Saturday 11 July. Entry is free.
The dramatic, large format, computer-based images portray technology in relation to past, current and future global issues and human and cultural impact.
USC Computer-Based Design lecturer Debbie Livingston said the students had produced great work that was on a par with professional industry standards.
The gallery, located at the USC campus on Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs, is open free to the public from 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday. The Gallery is closed Sundays and public holidays.
– Julie Gatehouse