Taya Parfitt receives her Young Australian Indigenous Artist of the Year award.
Camera IconTaya Parfitt receives her Young Australian Indigenous Artist of the Year award. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Southern River College students recognised at Young Australian Art Awards

Ben SmithComment News

SOUTHERN River College students have been recognised at the Young Australian Art Awards, including one student who scooped a prestigious individual honour.

Taya Parfitt was named Young Australian Indigenous Artist of the Year at an award ceremony in Melbourne last month for her aquatic-themed painting Connection With Nature.

Meanwhile, classmates Keenan Flanagan and Richard Kickett received Indigneous Art Awards on the night.

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Parfitt, who admitted she painted the picture mainly for fun, said she was surprised and humbled to win.

“Painting takes me to another place, it’s magic. When people complement you on your paintings, it’s a really good feeling and it makes you want to keep going,” she said.

Parfitt said she wanted her artwork to convey life had its ups and downs, but it was important to chase your dreams.

“The bird represents moving upwards and achieving your goals. It’s also about having the courage to be yourself, to being different from those around you and doing what’s right for you,” she said.

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