Hi,
My name is Jenay and I have just completed a Bachelor of Arts at Avondale.
Art has always been an outlet for me to express all sorts of emotions and experiences, and I especially turn to art when I am under pressure.
I called this piece “Beautiful Memories: A Botanical Tribute to My Three Years at Avondale.” I created it using bits and pieces that I had collected throughout the past three years and each piece has a story behind it or reminds me of a time, place or person. I used a picture that I took of my dried flower collection, projected it onto the wall, and assembled all the bits and bobs in the various shapes of the flowers.
Not only does the piece itself represent various pressures and stressors that I have encountered (and defeated) at college, but putting this artwork together was hard work. I was under pressure. Massive pressure. I had a deadline and I was not sure how I was going to make it. The only way that I could get it up in time was to rely on God, because I had no more energy left in my body at all.
But, my favourite part is that when I did finish assembling my artwork, my friends came along to support me at my exhibition. It was then that I realised that, while art it SUPER important, what is REALLY important is the stories and the influences behind the work. Together, my friends, family, and ultimately God, are the ones that got me through all the pressures, stress and hard times I have encountered at college.
I will be forever grateful for them, and that is why I dedicate this piece to them.
AUTHOR: Jenay Menzie, attends North Fitzroy SDA Church in Victoria.