Beverley Iles is happy to win the City of South Perth’s Emerging Artist Award; and a close-up look at Beverley Isle’s sculpture Stack.
Camera IconBeverley Iles is happy to win the City of South Perth’s Emerging Artist Award; and a close-up look at Beverley Isle’s sculpture Stack. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

City of South Perth’s Emerging Artist credits going back to school for award win

Aaron CorlettSouthern Gazette

RETURNING to university as a mature aged student has paid off for artist Beverley Iles after she claimed the City of South Perth’s Emerging Artist Award.

The Woodbridge resident’s sculpture Stack was recognised as the best out of the 73 artworks that were submitted for the awards.

Iles said the award was validation for her decision to start studying visual arts at Curtin University last year.

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“After my eldest child left high school I decided to go back to university because my life circumstances meant that I couldn’t do that before,” she said.

“My interests are in sculpture and drawing, I’ve been a resourceful artist ever since I started making art when I was living on Christmas Island.”

Iles said she rated the award as the most prestigious prize she had received.

“I’m really thrilled by the award, it was very exciting and unexpected because there some really nice works,” she said.

“I think it’s great that the City of South Perth hold the event and help the careers of artists.”

She said there was a lengthy process of experimentation with cement before she finished her sculpture.

“Concrete is used all around us but I was playing around with the idea that what if it had a lack of stability,” she said.

The exhibition is open to the public at the South Perth Community Hall until October 29.