The words of a poem I read a long time ago came back to me whilst writing this article. As an adolescent growing up in country WA I read a lot. Dylan Thomas was one of my discoveries and "In my craft or sullen art" was one of my favourites. I had to look it up. Sure enough, the lines came back to me - there it was.

" ... I labour by singing light"

This description of solitary making was the image that I half remembered. An image which seems to speak of the practice of metalsmithing almost precisely. The luster and the sound of the singing metal as it is hammered and forged, the contrasts and reflections from the dull and matt and shiny surfaces, the bass and treble notes released by the hammer.

I reflected that each of our three winners have this in common; they too "labour by singing light". In their practice they mould and shape new creations - a solitary practice that results in some very special works.

Let's meet them now,
Student Category: Eleisha Nylund and Rosary Coloma
Emerging Artist Category: Rhonda Lin

Just as memories of people, situations and places are stored inside us all and are taken out and and polished and honed from time to time, so to are certain objects imbued with such special regard.

The work of these three artists is testament to the power of the creative spirit - and the embodiment of sincerely felt and communicated concepts. It shows how dedication and training and talent coalesce and their often-solitary labours bear fruit.

Craft Australia salutes our three winners and wishes them well for the future.

Craft Australia would also like to acknowledge that the judging panel also awarded three Highly Commended special mentions. In the Emerging Artist Category the panel Highly Commended - Mel Robson ceramic artist from Queensland. In the Student Category two jewellers were also Highly Commended - Emma Fielden and Megan Webber.

Gaida Macs
June, 2007

Gaida Macs graduated with Honours in Sculpture from the ANU School of Art in 2004. Currently living in northern NSW, she is preparing work for a number of exhibitions in 2007.