What an honour it was for my piece 'The Banya' to take home the winning prize of the Clayton Utz Art Award 2025.
A few years ago I entered 'Ladies in Waiting #1' into this award and made the finalist list; this year I went to the opening night with my mum by my side with no expectations but to simply enjoy the evening taking in all the other artists and their chosen perspectives and mediums.
Over the years I have always loved Lethbridge gallery and what artists they showcased, a quaint gallery nestled amongst the pretty streets of Paddington. Being able to meet the owners, Brett Lethbridge and his wife made the evening that touch more special.
As walking the rooms of the Clayton Utz office, 28 floors above Brisbane CBD as the sun was setting and the lights lite up the city below, I was able to take in the diversity of artists that represented the creative palette of this competition.
When listening to the peoples choice award, 'Lover's Caress' by Todd Simpson followed by the runners up I had moments of pause and appreciation for what this creative journey can lead you to.
There is a vulnerability that comes with being a creative that will always hit you when you least expect it, and that happened when I saw my image appear on the screen and Sally Butler, Associate Professor in Art History at the University of Queensland, praised my work as "a quiet study in how art connects us to our inner life."
I was overwhelmed with being the winner, but what a moment I will remember.
The Clayton Utz Art Award, 'Where Law meets Art'.
Thank you Scott Sharry, partner in charge of Clayton Utz, and Brett Lethbridge for continuing to support this art award.
I'm looking forward to seeing where this next chapter of my creative journey takes me.
Francesca
Congratulations to all the artists involved and the runners up below:
Tim Grey for 'Waiting for Smart',
Kaz Stanton for 'Domestic Wilderness',
Scott Breton for 'Light-knotted Sky',
Todd Simpson for 'Lover's Caress',
Anthony Quidong for 'Resilience: Sentinel Paperbark Cooloola.'
