FEDERAL Member for Forrest, Nola Marino, has announced Dunsborough artist Voytek Kozlowski among the confirmed exhibitors for the second South West Sensations exhibition in Canberra next year.
The exhibition aims to raise the profile of the South West with Australia’s top decision makers, by showcasing local producers’ work in Canberra.
“Our unique and wonderful natural tourist attractions along with our key business and industry, top food and wine are laid out on the national stage for ministers and departments in a one night, show-stopping event,” Mrs Marino said.
“Planning is now well and truly underway for an even bigger and better showcase to return to Parliament House next June.”
Voytek said he was honoured to take part in the exhibition.
“I’m a Polish migrant so for me to represent Western Australia and the South West, on such a large scale is a privilege,” he said.
“Hopefully the showcase will have a domino effect on other aspects of the South West.”
Voytek was been commissioned to create the steel balustrades being installed in the Queen Street upgrade, which were inspired by his love for nature.
He is hoping to take as many pieces as possible to the showcase, but must be realistic about space, weight, and moveability of some pieces, which contain ceramic insets.
Voytek has spent his entire adult life in Australia, moving here from Poland in 1981. He has worked as a full-time artist for 13 years, working with metals, ceramics, glass and stone to create unique forms and finishes.
He sees art as a way of letting people take a break from their busy lives, even if it’s just for four of five seconds, to get them to see beauty and feel that life can get better.
“It’s good to be positive, and do something that leaves a positive imprint on the world,” he said.
The South West Development Commission and Regional Development Australia has backed the 2013 showcase, which will represent local groups, businesses and industry and give the region’s producers the chance to liaise directly with key policy decision makers and industry groups.
For more details on the showcase, including how to become involved, contact Nola Marino’s office on 9725 2300.
Examples of Voytek’s work can be seen online at designsbyvoytek.iinet.net.au
