Long time Redland resident, now returned to the Scenic Rim Janine Healy is hoping for a people's choice win after being chosen as one of 75 finalists in this year's Brisbane Portrait prize.
The winner was announced on October 6 with the people's choice to be announced on October 28. Her work is now hung with the other finalists works at the Brisbane Powerhouse until November 1. Entry is via tickets starting at 11am each day.
Ms Healy painted the portrait of fellow Beaudesert High school classmate and bass player for Powerderfinger John Collins.
It was a sharing of minds for the two friends who share a passion for art and music.
While Collins took his place among the legends of Australian rock, Ms Healy studied at the Queensland College of art.
The painting captures Collins mid performance and depicts his energy and vitality.
In painting the portrait Ms Healy said she drew on school memories and letters the two would write to one another during years at boarding schools in the mid 1980s.
"We would also catch up at birthday parties and music events," she said.
"We have been attempting to get together in the same room for the past 18 months. I guess you could say that the Covid situation has actually been a help in the process where two friends with normally hectic lives can connect remotely, all be it on TV in the lounge room and make art .. by remote," she said.
"I've taken photos as JC performed with the guys from Powderfinger and interpreted them into paintings. What stays with me was JC on stage at The Fortitude with the most magnificent dripping chandelier above his head. To me it captured the spirit of the moment and although the moment may have been over shadowed by the current serious global circumstances there was a shining a light in the darkest of hours," she said.
Ms Healy said the concert raised funds for Support Act and Beyond Blue and to that end would doante half of the sale of her work to the charities supported by Powderfinger.
Ms Healy's artwork can be found in the public space at Victoria Point near Cineplex. She is a former member of RedArts, remains the president of Redland Placemakers Cleveland and was a former Council candidate (2016).
She has returned to the Scenic Rim to establish her studio and a local collective arts group.
