Class of 2021 students chosen for HSC SHAPE Showcase at the Powerhouse Museum
Whether it’s a motion-sensitive motorcycle safety vest or an eco-friendly dress made of strawberries, the bright young minds chosen for this year’s SHAPE exhibition have mustered up some pretty impressive works. Find out what they’ve come up with.
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Whether it’s a motion-sensitive motorcycle safety vest or an eco-friendly dress made of strawberries, 33 bright young minds chosen for this year’s SHAPE exhibition have mustered up some pretty impressive works.
The exhibition features a selection of 2021 HSC major projects from Design and Technology, Industrial Technology and Textiles and Design.
Some of these future designers, architects, artists, engineers, entrepreneurs have tried to fill a hole in the market through their projects.
Others have focused on a theme they’re passionate about and want to raise awareness on, or paid homage to something they’re inspired by.
But most of all, they have worked hard during a tough year, and now their works are on display at the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney until Sunday August 14.
“Students reflected on the environment, sustainability and wellbeing in their work, revealing their capacity for critical thinking, creativity and adaptability,” NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) Chief Executive Officer Paul Martin said.
NewsLocal spoke to most of the students from across NSW about their inspiring works, which are showcased below.
Claudia Graham
Age: 18
School and Suburb: Kincoppal Rose Bay School.
What’s the inspiration behind your work?
In the first lockdown in March 2020 I was sent home from boarding school for online learning where I quickly became bored and was looking for a hobby. Living on a farm, my grandparents lived very close to my family so I quickly began to share the love of gardening with her. My love of growing fresh fruit and veg grew, however I quickly became frustrated with the low soil quality and lack of fertilisers that were available that weren’t chemically based. Therefore this prompted me to research ways we could use worm juice as a fertiliser in an odour-free way.
How do you feel about having your work exhibited?
So excited for people to learn about my project and organic fertiliser along with the value it has in our society, particularly our ability to use this fertiliser in an easy odour-free way. I am also excited for people to appreciate the extensive work I undertook to get to the final stage of my project.
What’s next? What career are you hoping to pursue?
This year I am studying a Bachelor of Interior Architecture at UTS which I am already really enjoying. I can’t wait to see where this takes me, and what pathways I end up in.
Christie Giamas
Age: 18
School and suburb: Saint Euphemia College, Bankstown.
What’s the inspiration behind your work?
Through my construction of the strawberry dress, I wanted to firstly draw attention to the idea of sustainable fashion through the obvious unique material used to form a dress and highlight the significance of a sustainable world for not only the environment, but also the people living in it. I wanted to showcase the possibility of creating an eye-catching and aesthetic wearable design piece which uses minimal chemicals, causes no waste and is environmentally friendly. By taking a stance to convince fast-fashion buyers about the dangers and unethicality of fast-fashion businesses and clothing waste that occurs each year, I hope to make even a small difference in the fashion world and hopefully inspire some fashion brands (or fashion buyers) to begin supporting ‘greener’, or sustainable and ethical fashion brands.
How do you feel about having your work exhibited?
I was very excited when I heard the news that my project was one of the chosen ones for the shape exhibition 2022. I think it’s a great and new experience and it felt very rewarding for me, especially after all the hard work that was put into both my major design project and portfolio.
What’s next? What career are you hoping to pursue?
I’ve been interested in the design field since I was very young, so I knew I wanted to pursue a career in that area. I’m currently studying architecture and hoping to pursue it as a career as I enjoy using my creativity and knowledge and interest about the significance of transforming the world into a more sustainable, yet aesthetic place.
Tess Webster
Age: 18
School and Suburb: St Vincents College, Potts Point.
What’s the inspiration behind your work?
My terrazzo wall tiles are inspired by the ongoing need to give life to what may be considered by many as “waste” once it has been used. In my Major Design Project, I decided to place a large emphasis on sustainability, where glass bottles were creatively upcycled to produce terrazzo wall tiles for interior and alfresco spaces, providing these spaces with the opportunity to showcase the aesthetic nature of “waste”.
How do you feel about having your work exhibited?
Having elements of my Major Design Project exhibited within the Powerhouse Museum makes me feel extremely proud of what I worked to produce and as though my time and effort put into producing my MDP has paid off. It is also very rewarding to know that aspects of my hard work will be viewed and appreciated by a wide range of people.
What’s next? What career are you hoping to pursue?
Stemming from my great interest in design and sustainability I have decided to study Landscape Architecture at UNSW this year. I am really enjoying learning about new things, as well as having new challenges that I must work to overcome. I am hoping that the completion of this course will see me in a role within the Landscape Architecture profession.
Rose Guiffre
Age: 18
School and Suburb: Hornsby Girls High School, Hornsby.
What’s the inspiration behind your work?
My tutu was inspired by both the Australian bushfires and the historical Ballet Russes to present a deeply cultural interpretation of the Firebird ballet costume, incorporating bush elements through a fusion of classical and contemporary techniques to ultimately display the detrimental impact of fire on the environment and, simultaneously, the ethereal nature of birds.
How do you feel about having your work exhibited?
It feels surreal to have my costume displayed in a gallery alongside other works that are of such high standard and I’m very appreciative of the panel for seeing potential in my project.
What’s next? What career are you hoping to pursue?
I hope to continue designing. I’m currently studying fashion at UTS and working at the bridal atelier, Steven Khalil, in hopes that one day I’ll enter either the costume or bridal industry. My goal is to incorporate sustainable practise in my design and help provoke positive change in the industry.
Clark McCarren
Age: 18
School and Suburb: St Mary’s Cathedral College, Sydney.
What’s the inspiration behind your work?
My work was heavily inspired by a wide selection of music videos, mostly off the ones created by musician Tame Impala and digital artist Jason Galea. There are other cool and crazy random editing techniques and effects that I’ve found and have been experimenting with in Adobe After Effects for some time. On the other side from practical inspiration, I was conceptually inspired by the ideas of daydreaming, especially the idea/ method to escape.
How do you feel about having your work exhibited?
So far, it seems very unreal and amazing to have something of my work being exhibited.
What’s next? What career are you hoping to pursue?
I am currently studying social work at UNSW as my main career to focus on and pursue into the future. On the side, I plan to continue my arts involved career and creative journey as a fun little hobby.
Maeve Patchell
Age: 18
School and Suburb: Cheltenham Girls’ High School, Cheltenham.
What’s the inspiration behind your work?
SHADOW is a prototype boxing app designed by me to support Police Citizens and Youth Club (PCYC) NSW boxing programs. As a boxer at PCYC myself, I identified a current lack of boxing apps and at-home training aids on the market. My project aimed to address this need. When my 2019 PCYC Blue Star participation introduced me to young members from across NSW, I found there were wide differences in access to PCYC programs and facilities depending on geographical location (e.g. rural compared to city). This, paired with my already strong passion for boxing and also design, sparked my interest in creating an app that allowed boxers to remotely train.
How do you feel about having your work exhibited?
I’ve drawn much inspiration from the many Shape exhibitions I’ve visited over the years, so having my project featured it this year’s Shape feels quite surreal. I’m honoured and proud to be featured alongside such creative and talented designers.
What’s next? What career are you hoping to pursue?
I haven’t settled entirely on my future quite yet, but know I want to be challenged and I want to contribute. That said, I have just commenced studying a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Advanced Studies at the University of Sydney, majoring in Business Law and Marketing. I am finding this degree to be quite fascinating as it allows me to understand the business and legal environments, while also allowing me to explore my creative endeavours through a business lens. I’m currently talking with PCYC about the future of my Shadow app.
Hophnie Noblett
Age: 18
School and Suburb: Wollondilly Anglican College, Wilton.
What’s the inspiration behind your work?
My father was looking for a unique piece to store his bottles of Grange.
How do you feel about having your work exhibited?
It’s honestly surreal. I’m just so glad that I’m able to showcase a piece that’s received so much of my 2021’s time and energy.
What’s next? What career are you hoping to pursue?
I am continuing to construct marquetry pieces as a side hobby at home, while undergoing coaching and event performances as a priority.
Patrick Hickey
Age: 18
School and Suburb: Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School (boarder), from Moree NSW.
What’s the inspiration behind your work?
I have an interest in clay target shooting, which I did competitively at school (trap discipline) and also do as a pastime/hobby with friends and family on a family property. This sport requires the means of throwing the disc-shaped targets into the air-either by hand or a machine. When shooting clay targets on a property, we always used hand throwers, which took skill and effort to use repetitively and was a safety risk having to stand close to the shooter to accommodate for the lack of range you could get with a human throw. This is where my inspiration came from as I wanted to design and construct a completely autonomous machine to throw the targets, that had to have no human intervention required other than to operate it by a wireless remote. This ultimately would remove the safety risk of having someone near the shooter, and also provide the opportunity to shoot at targets presented in a variety of forms, crossing targets, approaching targets, moving away targets etc.
How do you feel about having your work exhibited?
To finish my project and be able to enjoy its use with my family was incredibly rewarding alone. But to be selected for Shape 2021 was incredibly fulfilling for me. It has shown me how widely appreciated my machine is in the realm of HSC projects that were produced in my candidature, which I probably didn’t give myself enough credit for, even when people around me seemed amazed at what I’d achieved. It has also given me perspective on how many other like-minded people there are, and to be in the same exhibition as them is an extraordinary experience for me a country student. Above all, it has been an eye opener for me in terms of how well developed my skills are in engineering and metalwork, and it has led me to potentially think more positively towards a career pursuing those skills.
What’s next? What career are you hoping to pursue?
That I am not sure of yet. I am currently working on a cropping property in Southern Queensland for a gap year before I move into university in 2022. I wish to be in the agricultural industry, I am just undecided upon whether to move down the growing/environmental side of ag or follow my engineering interests that this project has highlighted for me. Hypothetically, if I were to study engineering it would be a bit of an end goal to be designing agricultural technologies or even invent certain things to solve the numerous sustainability issues ag indeed faces. For now, I’ll take the time to mull over my options.
Catherine Weng
Age: 18
School and Suburb: St George Girls High School (studied textiles at Sydney Distance Education High School), Peakhurst.
What’s the inspiration behind your work?
The prevalence of cancer, specifically gynaecological and breast cancer were the main influences on my work. I wanted to display the impermanence of human life through the contrast of aesthetic and graphic elements.
How do you feel about having your work exhibited?
It felt pretty surreal and undeserving when I first heard about the selection but now seeing it in the museum, I’m just grateful for the opportunity.
What’s next? What career are you hoping to pursue?
I’m hoping to become a professional artist despite how ambiguous that career sounds. I just want to keep creating things meaningful to me.
Matthew Wheatley
Age: 18
School & Suburb: Engadine High School, Engadine.
What’s the inspiration behind the work?
While my work (a short film) pays aesthetic homage to the artistic films of Wes Anderson, and the storytelling of a personal directing hero, Spike Jonze, at its core, the actual work is inspired by the incredibly fruitful and emotionally invaluable experience that is to be human. I think especially coming out of such a global hardship that is Covid-19, it was a reminder of how valuable life is and a further development on Tennyson’s philosophy that “It’s better to have loved and lost than never loved at all”. It’s that experience of emotional authenticity that makes us human, and really, it’s been the incredible people around me that inspired me to try to articulate that.
How do you feel about having your work exhibited?
Honestly, still in some degree of disbelief. But just really grateful to have such an amazing opportunity, and eternally thankful to everyone who helped me make my work.
What’s next? What career are you hoping to pursue?
I’m currently studying at the Conservatorium of Music, Composition for Creative Industries as well as Theatre and Performance Studies. The goal, hopefully, is to just keep working with amazing creatives (like my friends at InnistraFilm), and maybe one day, be making, acting or writing music for films and media (hopefully all three!).
Tahlia Gibson
Age: 18
School and Suburb: St John Bosco College, Sutherland Shire.
What’s the inspiration behind your work?
My personal motivation and background are one of a deep love for science and sport. I wanted to develop a product that would enable me to combine my two passions, and assist me in gaining more real-world experience in using Chemistry and Biology skills and knowledge, that I could then take into my journey beyond school.
My inspiration for the product came from the fact that sports and energy drinks, particularly those that contain high levels of sugar and caffeine, have had devastating impacts on children and teens. Two particular articles shook me, and I just knew I had to try and implement some change in the sport/electrolyte drink industry.
With extensive research and thorough experimentation, I was able to successfully create an all-natural electrolyte drink that drew its benefits and nutrients from pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, and citrus fruits.
How do you feel about having your work exhibited?
It is such an honor to have my hard work celebrated in such an amazing way. The guidance I received from my parents, experts at ANSTO, professional food technologists, and science teachers at school played a crucial role in the success of the product, hopefully, they can all be proud of the final product that is on display at the Powerhouse Museum. In addition, having my work exhibited is so important for my product.
What’s next? What career are you hoping to pursue?
For the product, I would love to have the drink on the shelves, being sold to athletes all over the world, and preventing death due to sports drinks. I need this product to be sold and to save the lives of so many people and their health. The electrolyte drink not only should be consumed by athletes but the story behind it should educate them to drink more water and less sugary drinks.
Personally, I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Biomedical Science at the University of Technology in Sydney, and I am hoping to follow this with an Honors program.
Vy Nguyen
Age: 19
School and Suburb: Burwood Girls High School, Burwood.
What’s the inspiration behind your work?
My 1950s swing dress highly reflects my interest in the fashion trends of the decade, especially the iconic silhouette consisting of wide but soft shoulders, cinched waist and full circle skirt. The influence of actress Brigitte Bardot on the Parisienne fashion at that time and the contemporary designers Fillyboo and Miu Miu are also evident in my MTP through the use of gingham print, embroidery and beading details.
How do you feel about having your work exhibited?
When NESA announced that I had been selected for the SHAPE exhibition, that’s was when I realised what ‘dream comes true’ actually means. I went to the previous year exhibition and I told myself that my work would never be exhibited here … And then I got NESW email!
What’s next? What career are you hoping to pursue?
I am currently studying Fashion Design and Textiles at the University of Technology Sydney. Becoming a fashion designer has been my one and only passion. I can’t really see myself in any other fields to be honest.
Jake Frazer
Age: 18
School and Suburb: Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School in Terranora (I’m from Cudgera Creek).
What’s the inspiration behind your work?
John Maleki’s ‘Cave Table’ was a major inspiration behind an aspect of my work; however, much of it is originally designed to function efficiently whilst remaining aesthetic.
How do you feel about having your work exhibited?
It was a great surprise when I was informed my work would be exhibited in the powerhouse museum. I am very excited and thankful for the opportunity.
What’s next? What career are you hoping to pursue?
Whilst I intend to continue woodworking as a hobby, I am working to be a cinematographer professionally.
Arwen Hoffmann
Age: 18
School and Suburb: Mackillop College, Port Macquarie.
What’s the inspiration behind your work?
Going into the Design and Technology subject I knew I wanted to use my creative abilities to craft my Major Design Project. I decided to create a comic book that tackled an issue I was passionate about, that also allowed for brainstorming interesting character and world design. Cyber safety is something that I’ve been educated about practically my whole life, however this was usually delivered once a year, something that wouldn’t stick with me beyond the week. Through my research I discovered that the resources for children, parents and educators are rather slim, and I was interested in changing that by creating a visually interesting, entertaining and educational comic that could be enjoyed by children and open up conversations for adults.
How do you feel about having your work exhibited?
When I was first notified that my project was elected for the Shape exhibition, it was surreal. When you spend your time creating, it’s always a dream to have others see and appreciate what you have made. I’ve been drawing for pretty much my whole life, and to be acknowledged for something I’ve created is unbelievable. To have people come up to me and ask about my work and art practice was incredible and something I’m going to treasure forever.
What’s next? What career are you hoping to pursue?
The arts have always been a huge part of my life, and a subject I’ve been pursuing with the intention of gaining a career in that field. I’m hoping to go to university to study Visual Communication Design, with the aim of a career in animation, storyboarding or character design for film, television or the gaming industry.
Paloma Ploeg
Age: 16
School and Suburb: Mosman High School, Sydney.
What’s the inspiration behind your work?
After going on holiday with my family for a week, staying in a few motels along the way, I found that, as there were four of us, space was limited and tight. While away, I also needed to study for an upcoming exam and was unaware of the challenges surrounding space that I would be presented with. This led me to developing a convenient and comfortable solution for doing work whilst I was travelling and constantly changing location.
How do you feel about having your work exhibited?
To be extremely excited is an understatement. I feel very honoured that my work was chosen for the SHAPE 2021 exhibition and is now being presented to members of the public at The Powerhouse Museum. I’ve always loved The Powerhouse Museum and in fact was lucky enough to do work experience in 2020 with a curator there. This makes it all the more exciting – it’s hard to believe that my own work is now on display there, as part of the SHAPE 2021 exhibition. Being one of only a few students in the state selected makes this achievement all the more special and I am so thankful for this amazing opportunity.
What’s next? What career are you hoping to pursue?
I completed my Design & Technology course as an accelerated class, meaning that I was in Year 11 when I finished this project. Currently I am in year 12 completing my HSC, and in the future look forward to going to University and studying for a career combining my passions for design and commerce-based subjects. In regard to the Aero Work-Post (my major work), having registered and certified the design, as well as lodged a provisional patent protecting my design, I am looking forward to the opportunities that will come with pursuing and further developing this product.
Yasiru Puhule-Gamayalage
Age: 18
School & Suburb: Cherrybrook Technology High School, Castle Hill.
What’s the inspiration behind your work?
My interests in professional medical machinery/equipment and 3D printer (3D axis) mechanics to achieve an automated solution to treating minor cuts to a clean and sterile standard (comparable to that of traditional medical procedure when treating cuts).
How do you feel about having your work exhibited?
I feel very happy about my work being exhibited as it will allow others to draw inspiration for their own projects/plans/ideas as well as appreciate the engineering that has gone into designing and developing the device.
What’s next? What career are you hoping to pursue?
Although my project is centred around biomedical engineering, my interests lie in automotive engineering. I am doing my bachelors in engineering and hope to pursue a job in the automotive sector. In the meantime I currently run a performance ECU tuning business and sell cars privately as a hobby.
Jet Price
Age: 18
School and Suburb:
Gymea Technology High School and Jannali.
What’s the inspiration behind your work?
I love playing video games and so I based my project on a range of platformer 3D video games I have played throughout my life. Additionally, I also really wanted to start develop some coding skills.
How do you feel about having your work exhibited?
I feel proud to have my work exhibited at SHAPE due to the sheer size of it and the time it took me to complete. I dedicated almost the whole year to working on it, and to have it be shown in an exhibition for the public to see was a great achievement for me.
What’s next? What career are you hoping to pursue?
I hope to gain a career in cyber security.
Izzy Stone
Age: 18
School and Suburb: Wenona, North Sydney.
What’s the inspiration behind your work?
In creating this apparel piece, I drew inspiration from three key focus areas: Zuhair Murad’s 2016 spring couture collection, “Amour en Cage”, the vibrant colours of Venetian Murano glass creations as well as the 1930’s surrealist fashion movement, and more specifically the creations of Elsa Schiaparelli.
How do you feel about having your work exhibited?
It is an absolute honour to have my textiles work included in the SHAPE 2021 exhibition. It was really gratifying to have my hard work recognised amongst the best in the state.
What’s next? What career are you hoping to pursue?
I was fortunate enough to have been offered a spot to complete a Bachelor of Fashion (design) at RMIT. After taking a gap year, I plan to study here and then accomplish my ultimate goal of becoming a fashion designer.
Phoebe Anevski
Age: 18
School and Suburb: Heathcote High School, Heathcote/Engadine.
What’s the inspiration behind your work?
My overall love for the environment, design, and my childhood dream of being able to live in a treehouse was the inspiration that created my design. As a young child, my fascinations and interests in treehouses and the hope that one day a treehouse could be sized up and liveable was the initial inspiration. Likewise, the need to improve sustainability and protect the environment lead to the incorporation of the environment within my design. Developing a design that allows the environment to flow through the house decreases the overall impact on the environment and also makes the environment the main focus. I drew on the surrounding environments and its elements when design which was reflected in the materials used, these materials have the ability to naturally age with its surroundings, while still supporting the dwelling.
How do you feel about having your work exhibited?
Having my work exhibited is a milestone that I thought, that if I ever achieved would happen in many years to come. I feel so excited and honoured to be able to share my design.
What’s next? What career are you hoping to pursue?
As I currently study at the University of New South Wales, a Bachelor of Industrial Design, I hope to pursue a career in the built environment. I hope to travel the world to create products and facilities that will benefit people and add to their way of living.
Isaac Perez
Age: 18
School and Suburb: William Carey Christian School, Southwest Sydney.
What’s the inspiration behind your work?
The need for a more accurate machine.
How do you feel about having your work exhibited?
Privileged. I worked really hard on this project and I am really glad that I get share it with others.
What’s next? What career are you hoping to pursue?
I am pursuing electrical design and engineering, currently as an electric service technician. I would like to push my career towards military grade electrical machinery.
Dylan Catterall
Age: 18
School and Suburb: Pittwater High School (Mona Vale), and I am from North Narrabeen.
What’s the inspiration behind your work?
I was inspired by the top students of my school’s earlier Industrial Technology Multimedia classes to create a full-length professional quality animated music video completely from scratch. After delving into the concepts behind many famous music videos, from artists such as the Gorillaz and Muse, I was able to come up with a unique narrative with an engaging visual and auditory design.
How do you feel about having your work exhibited?
It is truly surreal to see my work being presented in the Powerhouse Museum and being displayed in news articles. Throughout the creation of the major work, I never thought that anybody would see it beyond my high school cohort, however it has been a huge blessing knowing that my ideas and hard work are being recognised by the general public.
What’s next? What careers are you hoping to pursue?
While I am currently studying a Bachelor of IT degree at UTS with plans of entering full time work in data analytics, I plan on developing and working on projects similar to my major work with a larger focus on songwriting and audio production with potential for organising live performances of my work.
Georgia Turner
Age: 18
School and Suburb: Alstonville High School but studied textiles through Southern Cross School of Distance Education.
What’s the inspiration behind your work?
My project was inspired by the steampunk genre with its blend of technology and science fiction, exploring the futuristic designs that combine both the steam powered technology of the industrial revolution with the fashions of the Victorian era.
How do you feel about having your work exhibited?
I was very excited about this opportunity and proud to be included in such an amazing showcase.
What’s next? What careers are you hoping to pursue?
I hope to use my design skills in a career in civil engineering and am currently studying at university.
Lila Kools
Age: 17
School and suburb: Barrenjoey High school, Avalon Beach.
What’s the inspiration behind your work?
The time-capsule collection reflects the changing roles of women in contemporary society and the alterations that went into their clothing and nightwear during this time. Edging to more bolder and oversized styles and away from the traditional notion of feminine clothing.
How do you feel about having your work exhibited?
Having my work exhibited really highlights that all the time that went into crafting and conceptualising the collection paid off. Although it is still something I never thought I would have achieved at a high school level.
What’s next? What careers are you hoping to pursue?
At the moment I am studying fine arts and art history at The University of Sydney, although In the future I hope to pursue a creative path either as a full time practising artist or work my way up to becoming a University Lecturer in the arts.
David Lawson
Age: 18
School and Suburb: Covenant Christian School, Belrose.
What’s the inspiration behind your work?
My piece was inspired by traditional Japanese furniture as well as many contemporary works – primarily desks and sideboards. This varied inspiration gave the desk a perfect blend of flowing legs and supports while still remaining sharp and clean. I felt compelled to create a very unique desk, which is my reasoning behind incorporating a traditional furniture style with a modern purpose – as it will be used for standing and typing on laptops. Alongside this, my goal was to design and make a timeless piece of furniture that would be suited to a range of time periods while still looking comfortable in a room with modern furniture.
What’s next? What careers are you hoping to pursue?
I am wanting to pursue a career in project management. Project management skills were vital in the making of my desk and in such a busy and challenging year it was important to ensure tasks were thoroughly planned before executing them. My passion for woodworking will be continued as I have plans to continue designing and building furniture as a hobby in my garage.
Lucy Forrest
Age: 18
School and Suburb: Queenwood School, I live in Balgowlah Heights.
What’s the inspiration behind your work?
There were three things that inspired me: my studies of Japanese culture and language, using an innovative material and my textiles skills, and creating a textile art that has a purpose. I was inspired by the tsunami that occurred in 2011 in Tohoku off the east coast of Japan. It devastated the region significantly with many deaths. The Textile Art was designed to act as a memorial piece to draw attention to the harsh reality that occurred, as well as illustrate how Japan had been able to rebuild the city and regain hope.
I was also inspired by the modern complexity of Japanese architecture seen through the laser cut detailing, pleated pockets, geometric shapes, and 3D origami tessellations that symbolise success, wisdom and hope. The material used, Tyvek, is durable, tear resistant, water-resistant and can hold its shape when folded. This, along with the strength and architectural elements of the structure of the design, allude to how Japan has been able to rebuild the city after the catastrophe and regain hope for their civilians. The Japanese Kanji writing heat pressed on the textile art was translated by my Japanese teacher from school. These are statistics and messages from survivors of the Tsunami.
How do you feel about having your work exhibited?
The Textile Art is a memorial piece for the Tsunami that occured in 2011 in Tohoku, Japan. For it to be on display meets its purpose and I feel proud. Being on display is a way of paying respect to the lives lost in the Tsunami. Seeing it now on display in the Shape Exhibition is fantastic as I have learnt the role creative thinking can play in the design process.
What’s next? What career are you hoping to pursue?
I am currently studying Civil Engineering at Sydney University. I am hoping to pursue Environmental Engineering or Design as a career. I want to be able to incorporate my textiles knowledge into my career and use innovation and emerging technologies to solve environmental problems and to help us live more sustainably.
Lauren Fox
Age: 18
School and Suburb:
Pennant Hills Highschool, Pennant Hills.
What’s the inspiration behind your work?
I was inspired to create something beautiful while simultaneously drawing attention to the bleaching of the Great Barrier Reef. As a child, I was excited by the different colours and textures of the sea life, although when I visited the Great Barrier Reef, I was shocked by the absence of both. I was also inspired by traditional textile art practices such as crochet, latch hooking and other textile art which both my mother and grandmothers had used to create colourful blankets and textile art for me from a young age.
How do you feel about having your work exhibited?
I was very excited when I heard my work was being displayed at the Powerhouse. It was extremely exciting seeing other people show interest and curiosity in my work and so exciting to see my wall-hangings hung up on the wall.
What’s next? What career are you hoping to pursue?
This year I am taking a gap year and working while I explore the best way to use my love for creativity. I’m hoping to pursue a career where I can express my creativity through my work, wherever that may be.
Arlo Berry
Age: 18
School and Suburb: Oxley College, Burradoo.
What’s the inspiration behind your work?
With ‘Feeling Sight’ I sought to find a solution for the need to reduce motorcycle rider deaths on roads.
The motivation for this project came from two of my passions; one, exploring how integrating electronic senses with the human body can benefit humans’ interaction with their environment and the other, motorcycle riding.
How do you feel about having your work exhibited?
Having my work exhibited at the powerhouse has made me very proud of the effort I put in and results I was able to come up with in my Design and Technology solution. But most of all, having my ideas recognised has given me a lot of drive and is encouraging me pursue my never ending list of ideas and realise them into fully refined working products and tools.
What’s next? What career are you hoping to pursue?
I hope to be able to pursue my love for constantly creating things. I plan on studying mechatronics after my gap-year, which I am using to create projects and do all the things which I had not had time for before. After my mechatronics degree I hope to be able to create programs which will provide all the support and facilities needed for people with life changing ideas to design, create and workshop these ideas at zero expense to themselves. This is in an effort support all the great minds of this world and quickly create products and services that will change the “world” for the better.
Below are the rest of the students chosen for the SHAPE Showcase.
Corina Choy, Bethany College
Hugh Harrold, Penrith Anglican College
Connor Lindsell, Rouse Hill Anglican College
Frank Dik, Coffs Harbour Senior College
Harrison Byrnes, Southern Cross School of Distance Education/ Kyogle High School
Emma-Rose Fraser, Davidson High School
Meet the talented young artists from ARTEXPRESS 2025
The annual art exhibition which shows some of the most outstanding and exemplary artworks across NSW by HSC visual arts students has opened. Meet the students and see their amazing works.
Fatal call to drive through flood made by group, friend claims
The friend of a Sydney man charged with the manslaughter of two mates after he drove through rural floodwaters has told a court about the moments before the ute was swept away by the “ferocious” current.