Thirroul artist Wendy Verity won three 1st prizes at the 2021 Royal Easter Show for her unique quilled artworks. Thanks to Wendy for sharing her story with 2515 Coast News.
Please tell us a bit about yourself.
I have lived in Thirroul for 22 years and grew up in Helensburgh. Now retired, I have time to pursue my passion of quilling. I also love watercolours, travelling in Australia and overseas, which gives me inspiration for my pieces.
Tell us about your background as an artist and the kind of works you make.
My artistic journey started in childhood. I elected visual arts in high school, my teacher saw raw talent and was supportive of my works. Also my mother was very creative and I inherited many skills and her “can do” attitude towards making unique creations.
Not many people knew what quilling was when I started 30 years ago. I stumbled upon the ancient craft of paper filigree while doing art research and, after trying it, was immediately hooked.
Over the years I’ve won prizes and judged many competitions, had my works published in magazines and exhibited several times. I am one of three people in Australia who have been accredited by The Quilling Guild.
Basically, I make artworks from strips of paper, rolled to make tight and loose coils, then glued together to create a design. These can be made into greeting cards, a wall hanging or a 3D object.
Congratulations on your Easter Show triumph! What prizes did you win?
At the 2021 Royal Easter Show I was awarded three first prizes in the Quilling category of the Arts and Crafts Section. Two of the art works – Orchids and Lighthouse – were displayed in the Showcase of Excellence, which is quite an honour.
What inspired your award-winning works?
My three pieces were all quite different in style and technique.
Orchids was inspired by the orchids my father grows. I wanted to achieve a life-like flower using only traditional techniques. Making the individual parts, shaping them and joining the fragile components to make a 3D flower was a challenge. I think I achieved a realistic spray of flowers.
Fascinator was a whimsical, unconventional creation. I wondered if I could make a wearable headpiece entirely out of paper. It is made up of giant ring coils that quite often collapse if left unsupported. This piece is a little space-age and defies gravity.
Lighthouse came about because of a new “on edge’’ category. All the paper had to be glued on its spine with minimal traditional techniques.
What’s next, and where can we see your work?
After a year of creating for the Show’s Feature Display and entering the competitions, I may take a little rest but will start on next year’s entries soon. I also hope to put together a solo exhibition.
Look at Sydney Quillers Facebook page and my Instagram to see my art.
