By Theresia Titus
St Clare’s School Lathlain student Dixie Bonney, has won the prestigious Fra Angelico Award at Catholic Arts Angelico Exhibition in August last year.
Named after the Blessed Fra Giovanni Angelico (Brother John of Fiesole), the annual Angelico Exhibition for Catholic Students was divided into two sections, primary and secondary, and showcased the talent of student artist from Western Australian Catholic schools and colleges.
The primary exhibition was opened to all students from Years 1 to 6, whereas secondary exhibition was opened to students from Years 7 to 12 – which attracted 169 entries from 32 schools from Broome to Busselton.
Dixie created her artwork titled “Oneness” for the exhibition, which was held at Forrest Centre in Perth, to reflect her faith and cultures.
“I am a proud Wongi Yamatji woman and my artwork reflects my belief that we all share the same soul and spirit and we are all interconnected. All things should live in interconnectedness to maintain order and sustainability,” she said.
“God is at the heart of existence and gives meaning to all that is. God is revealed as a God of communion and community.”
Dixie’s artwork was also exhibited at the St George’s annual art show and has impressed Senior Lay Canon of St George’s Anglican Cathedral Dr Bill Leadbetter – who said Dixie’s artwork “hit him out of the blue” and decided to acquire the artwork on the behalf of the Anglican Cathedral.
The artwork is now displayed at the St George’s Anglican Cathedral transept for the public to view.
Upon winning the award, Ms Bonney expressed she was not only felt shocked but also “honoured” to know that her painting provoked “strong feelings to make such a powerful impression”.
Dixie said it took her one full semester to complete the artwork, which she did during her study periods and occasional lunch hours.
It was her art teacher at St Clare’s, Anna Fordham, whom she believed has instilled the confidence and enthusiasm in her.
“I worked with Anna discussing thoughts and ideas always wanting to use my faith as a starting point. I researched several artists and started on designs that reflected my motivation. My sister Laura and friend Grace were also sources of support and advice for me,” she explained.
“I was motivated by Anna’s enthusiasm and her confidence in me, that I could create an inspiring artwork that reflected my cultural and spiritual beliefs. It was important to show how I felt about merging my belief in God and my indigenous spiritual story.”
Ms Fordham believed the achievement revealed “the talent and potential of St Clare’s students”.
“The capacity to create evocative artworks that are reflective of deep and thoughtful responses to the world and their ability to portray these emotions creatively is testament to students’ skills and ability,” she said.
“St Clare’s students are supported by being encouraged and motivated to enter art awards. Emphasis is placed on the development of skills, ideas, and approaches.
“Following the charism of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd – whose mission is to assist women and girls in need and to work with them to help them gain an understanding of their innate dignity and worth – St Clare’s hoped that their students can get every opportunity to foster their skills and resilience, ‘so they may live a life that gives them positive steps forward for their future’.”