Queensland Museum Medal 2012

As we've previously mentioned, the 2012 Queensland Museum medal is a little different to previous years. To celebrate the museum's 150th anniversary, artist Lincoln Austin has created two unique sculptures to be unveiled at the awards ceremony on 19 May.

Today, artisan and Lincoln delivered the completed works to the Queensland Museum Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ian Galloway. The sculptures must remain top secret until the awards ceremony, so we can't show you any photographs!

Stay tuned for pictures of the stunning sculptures once the big reveal has taken place...

Artist Lincoln Austin and QM Chief Executive Officer Dr Ian Galloway

. Photograph courtesy of Andrea Higgins.

Work in Progress: the Queensland Museum Award 2012

Every year, the Queensland Museum (QM) awards the Queensland Museum Medal to an individual who has made outstanding achievements in a field relevant to the museum. 

However, 2012 is no ordinary year, with the museum is celebrating its 150th anniversary. To commemorate this incredible milestone, QM has selected Queensland artist Lincoln Austin to design two unique artworks to replace the traditional medal for this year's award. 

Created with Blue Crystal Marble, Lincoln’s art works 6˚ of Separation - Origin and 6˚ of Separation - Adaption are inspired by the concepts of interconnectedness that characterise the work of the Queensland Museum. 

The works will be revealed at a cocktail event in May as part of the anniversary celebrations. Adaption will be retained for the QM collection, and Origin will be awarded to the 2012 recipient of the Queensland Museum Award. Below are some snapshots of the works in progress.

All photographs courtesy of Lincoln Austin.

Interview with Sophie Bottomley

artisan interviews Sophie Bottomley, whose architectural sculptures are on display in Critical Craftings: Unleashed 2011 until Saturday 14 May.


Sophie Bottomley's works in Critical Craftings: Unleashed 2011. Photo: A. Higgins

 Tell us about your background – how did you come to be a creative practitioner?
From early on I have always loved to make things, however I never thought I would be able to make a career out of it. When I finished high school I decided to study architecture which I fell in love with and slowly found my own way of working which has come to be the most valuable experience of my creative practice to date. However, architecture in university and in practice differ greatly and the types of conceptual projects we were able to develop at uni were not the kinds of projects you are able to do in practice, unless of course you are Frank Gehry or someone of his league. After 4 years I stopped studying and took a year off, where flicking through the pages of Pol Oxygen Magazine I encountered some practitioners that seemed to get away with conceptual ideas of space in the name of art. At this point I decided I had to stop fighting it and see if I could make this art thing work. I have just completed a Bachelor of Fine Art majoring in Sculpture at QCA and am just in the beginning of my Honours year.


Sophie Bottomley, Feeling outside the box one's in (detail) 2010, pine on pine stand. Photo: A. Higgins.

Where do you find your inspiration?

Inspiration generally strikes when you least expect it but currently I find books on philosophy, qualities of architecture, and how the body perceives space to be some of the most inspiring. A discovery can strike from anything that’s why it’s important to always immerse yourself in as much as you can. I am always looking at design and art magazines and blogs, as well as going out and seeing art. Sometimes just being outside of your everyday environment can provide many unexpected encounters.


What other creative people do you admire?
I think anyone who is making a life for themselves following a creative pursuit is someone to admire. But more specifically I love the work of Mikala Dwyer, Roni Horn, Tara Donovan, Ann Hamilton, Matthew Barney, Hany Armanious and Robin Rhodes.

Sophie Bottomley, To escape from silence (detail) 2010, paper on pine stand.

What’s next for your practice?
I am currently studying Honours at QCA where I aim to push my ideas of space even further in the sculptural field. It has long been my goal to merge my love of architecture and sculpture in the creation of large scale spaces that evoke an emotional or sensory reaction in the occupant. Perhaps I’ll even try to change the face of public art and the ‘plop art’ phenomenon that so often occurs.

I couldn’t live without…?
The people I surround myself with daily and my dog - definitely the artist's best friend being a constant companion in the studio.

Favourite café/restaurant?
Currently Flute at Coorparoo.

Favourite weekend pastime?
Trips to the beach, Bangalow or Maleny.


Sophie Bottomley, Within two limits (detail) 2010, air-dry modeling clay on pine stand.

Sophie Bottomley, Feeling outside the box one's in 2010, pine on pine stand. Photo: A. Higgins.



Chocolate Sculpture Workshop @ artisan

Don't miss out on the fantastic Chocolate Sculpture Workshop we're running in May for Mother's Day. The workshop will be run by the ever so talented Sally Colpoys whose exquisite white chocolate sculptures are featured in the current exhibition Critical Craftings: Unleashed 2011. Limited places are available so book early! Full details below.

Sally Colpoys, The merry-go-round 2009, white chocolate, wood and engraved plaque. Photo: A. Higgins.

Sally Colpoys, Stacked stakes 2009, white chocolate, wood and engraved plaque. Photo: A. Higgins.

Simone Tops in Map Magazine

Simone Tops' solo exhibition Beautiful Beast has also been a hit, and is fast on its way to being a sell out show.

See what Map Magazine had to say below.