Congratulations to Lori Pensini for being selected as a finalist in the Sunshine Coast National Art Prize, 23 August - 13 October 2024, for her painting, "Freebird" - oil on linen, 110 x 100 cm.

Artist Statement: 

Budgerigars have adapted to survive in harsh inland conditions of Australia. They are nomadic and flocks move on from sites as environmental conditions chance particularly the availabilty of food and water. For us on the land, budgerigars are a synonymous sign of abundance and for-tuitous times. We only saw them on really good season, the flocks of thousands would fill the skies in fluid choreographic spectacles. The budgerigars in this piece are metaphors of hope as we endured one of our driest periods on record in WA. We looked to the natural world, surveying cues from the land, sky and birds for signs of change, the promise of rain and the chance to feel alive again, unfettered, vital. 

You can go vote for the People's Choice on the website for the Sunshine Coast National Art Awards.