Georgina Gould-Hardwick.
Encaspsulated
Awarded July 2023
The aim of this project is:
to immerse the observer in the beauty and curiosity of our local native seeds, as well as inform the community about the importance of seed preservation and seed banks. Artworks will be created using coloured pencil to illustrate a selection of magnificent seeds from Seeding Victoria's collection, specifically the Western Victoria district seed bank in Creswick. Approximately 12 artworks will be produced, of varying sizes. Each work will be created to capture visual details that are both fascinating, and true to the characteristics of each species.
Project Description
Seeding Victoria Inc. is a non-profit organisation that helps to conserve Australian native plant species and their genetics. Established in Creswick in1994, the organisation presently oversees a network of seed banks throughout Victoria, including the Murray Mallee, the Wimmera, and Western Victoria. Seeding Victoria assists a number of organisations, and landholders with seed related research and projects, and is recognised as a national leader in provenance based seed collection and supply. Provenance based seed supply is important. It allows restoration and research projects to utilise seeds that are specific to an area they intend to revegetate and study, or to improve the genetics of a population in a separate area. Organisations such as Seeding Victoria are very important for communities and the future.
'Encapsulated' will be in response to Seeding Victoria, specifically the Western Victoria district seed bank in Creswick. This series aims to immerse the observer in the beauty and curiosity of our local native seeds, as well as inform the community about the importance of seed preservation and seed banks. Further, this will bring awareness to a long-standing organisation that has continuously offered their environmental services to numerous communities, and businesses.
Artworks will be created using coloured pencil to illustrate a selection of magnificent seeds from Seeding Victoria's collection. Each work will capture visual details that are both fascinating, and true to the characteristics of each species. Illustrations will be drawn to correctly represent the seeds and their protective casings in 'real life' and magnified sizes. To achieve this I will correctly measure magnifications by using a proportional divider tool. Intricate details will be observed using a magnifier/microscope.
This body of work will include approximately ten to twelve original pieces. Eight smaller works and four larger works will be created, with page sizes ranging between A5 and A3 (approx.). Research and artworks will be completed throughout late 2023 & early 2024, and exhibited at Art Space Ballarat in middle to late 2024 (application dependent). Additionally, I intend to offer booklets to accompany this series. These booklets will include images of each illustration, as well as information about the species, the importance of Seeding Victoria, and seed preservation.
The Madeleine Taylor Grant will contribute to kick-starting my first solo project. Professional framing services will be the highest expense. This grant will be used to cover approximately half of the cost of frames needed for the project. Further, the acquisition of this grant will enable me to effectively plan and commit to this creative idea. A solo exhibition is the next step for my artistic career. The Madeleine Taylor Grant will indeed help me to accomplish this step, allowing me to grow and evolve significantly as an artist.
Progress Reports
Progress report: Progress report March 2024 for Georgina Gould-Hardwick.pdf
Acquittal Report: Acquittal Report July 2024 G Gould-Hardwick.pdf