Talented local teen Hanna Jones’ artwork is now being splashed across the state, after she took out the top prize in the Queensland Youth Week art competition earlier this year.
The 16-year-old North Ipswich artist said her winning artwork ‘Salad’, which is currently being used on all Queensland Youth Week promotional materials, represents the passion and creativity of young people.
“It includes some of the goals and influential aspects of our lives, including music culture and a collective drive to protect our environment,” she said.
Ms Jones said her local surroundings helped to inspire her piece.
“Some of the advertisements I would see while I’m in the city or catching a train came to my mind when I was planning my drawing,” she said.
“I really appreciate the vibrant illustrations I pass by every now and then.”
Ms Jones is no stranger to the Ipswich art scene.
“From Year 8 up until now, I have been taking fine art classes at Arts Alive in Ipswich while practising more stylised art at home.
“It all started when I was younger and I would become inspired to draw after seeing my mother’s drawings.
“I taught myself when I was younger, copying other drawings I found in books and online.
“As I got older I discovered more and more amazing artists which kept me motivated.”
Artwork Ms Jones created on her new tablet which she won as part of the Queensland Youth Week art competition
Ms Jones said she enjoys being a part of the city’s creative community and seeing people her age making a positive impact in areas they are passionate about.
“I am passionate about equality in the community as I have seen discrimination happening around me throughout my life so far,” she said.
“I believe we are doing much better than say five years ago and I’m so glad that we’re continuing to improve, but it still happens without many people realising.
“I also care deeply about protecting the environment.
“I believe that staying always informed about what is happening in Ipswich is a very important first step to improve our city.
“If everybody makes small efforts like cleaning up their rubbish, it will add up to a great positive impact on our environment.”
As winner of the Queensland Youth Week artwork competition, Ms Jones received a $500 Mastercard, a graphic design tablet and a gimbal.
“So far I’ve created one piece of art using my new tablet, which is comfortable and working well,” she said.
“I haven’t used the gimbal yet, however I am excited to experiment with new media.”
Queensland Youth Week 2020 (1 to 9 April) kicked off earlier this week, and although many of the planned events have been postponed due to coronavirus concerns, the celebrations don’t have to stop.
This year’s theme is ‘Yeah the Youth!’ – a call to friendship, strength and unity between young people. It’s a chance to celebrate all the valuable contributions young people make to the community.
Head over to the Queensland Youth Facebook page for more information.