Interview with Fiona Hiscock
We chat with Fiona Hiscock who won the 3D Modelled/Carved Award in the 2021 Stanthorpe Art Prize with her work Banksia Integrifolia Vessel with blue wren.
What made you decide to enter the Stanthorpe Art Prize in 2020/1?
Banksia Integrifolia Vessel with blue wren | Fiona Hiscock. Winner of the 3D Modelled/Carved Award in 2021.Art prizes are a really important method for introducing your work to a wider audience. Working in a studio can be a solitary life, and the opportunity to join others in a well regarded, peer reviewed award, is to be honest, an honour and a bit of a thrill. The sense of isolation was even more intense in 2020/21 due to Covid, and I admired the Stanthorpe Gallery for continuing with the prize, when so many events were cancelled or could not proceed. I thought it showed tenacity and staying power.
Has winning first prize in the 2021 Stanthorpe Art Prize changed anything in your art life?
Winning the award in 2021 felt slightly surreal and like a long distant life line that art and culture matters during difficult times. Melbourne had endured a very harsh lockdown and I had found enormous solace and comfort in my studio practice during lockdowns, despite being unable to visit exhibitions or openings. It felt like my quiet, reflective and solitary practice had been noticed and acknowledged and I experienced enormous gratitude when I received the phone call that I had won an award.
My Minds Eye (Kapok tree and Sunbirds)Did you gain any exposure from being a winner?
The main exposure was from social media, which we had all relied on quite intensely, during periods where in person contact was not allowed. Hearing from the ever supportive potter community was lovely and it felt incredibly validating.
Where has your work taken you since 2021?
I've had a number of exhibitions since that time, and been unable to get to many of them, thanks to Covid. It's a relief to be able to finally visit galleries and easily interact across borders. I've recently completed an Artist in Residence program in the Alpine area of Falls Creek, and am looking forward to exhibiting works from this residency later in the year.
Falls Creek Still Life (Snow Gum and Flame Robin)Do you plan to enter the 2024 Stanthorpe Art Prize?
I'm not sure of the etiquette on entering prizes as a past winner, but in writing this, I think I will as it's too good an opportunity to miss.
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Instagram: @fionahiscock