By ALANA MITCHELSON
AN AWARD-WINNING Pakenham artist has bagged an $800 prize at the Casey-Cardinia Grand Art Show.
Elena Kolotusha’s drawing, Soul Hunter, depicts a greyhound gazing up at an airborne paper crane, incorporating a combination of colour pencils, pastels and guasch with a grey-scale tone.
Being the 45-year-old’s first work of the New Year, it portrays symbols of hope, happiness and identity. But the artist prefers not to give too much of her personal interpretation away.
“I think that would distract people from forming their own ideas and their own interpretation of the work,” Kolotusha said.
“It took me one month to think about all the different elements. You have to be inspired first, but then once you begin, the artwork can become a bit like a life of its own.
“I often like to draw objects that have a history and carry memories. I like works that have a simple composition but are very meaningful.”
Casey-Cardinia Grand Art Show featured a fine selection of art from leading artists not only from Victoria, but also New South Wales and Tasmania.
The Berwick District woodworkers club displayed creative wood art from across Victoria, including several large rocking horses.
Born in Russia, Kolotusha found it difficult adjusting to her new lifestyle in Australia, and it took a number of years before she built the confidence to continue pursuing her art, holding her first exhibition in 2004.
She said her art was beginning to blend her two favourite styles – still life and animal portraits – and that her approach to art was taking a new, “enjoyable” direction.
The artist said she planned to create a series of works with similar subject matter and style to Soul Hunter. She has already completed a second work portraying a greyhound gazing at a human hand clasping a key.
Kolotusha now faces months of “intense” work as she prepares for a solo exhibition in August at AGRA Gallery, Camberwell.
