By TANIA PHILLIPS
THE 2015 Jumpers and Jazz in July festival features 114 tree jumpers that are packed with inspiration, ingenuity and reverence.
Artists from near and far have proved that the quality of the artwork showcased by the festival improves each year.
Official Tree Jumper Judge Margie Creek is an accomplished and well travelled textile artist who spent a whole day walking, photographing and considering all of the entries to come up with her list of winners.
“It was such an enjoyable task,” said Margie, “I am impressed with the diversity and creativity of the entries.
“It was also very touching to see several artists honouring the Anzacs in their artwork this year.”
Margie has announced her choices as the winners across the four official sections – open/artistic, excellence in knitting and crochet, fusion theme and best community group entry.
Winner of the open artistic section was Julie Harris from Toowoomba with her impressive installation titled Lest We Forget.
“Julie’s attention to detail was amazing,” Margie said.
“It includes soldiers’ names, gradation of colours for granny square poppies and her special ’map’.
“I loved that she included the ground in her display.
“The overall piece is multifaceted and obviously she thought a lot about each area.”
Long term tree jumper artist Jessica Thompson from Brisbane, who has been involved from the very beginning, won the excellence in Knitting or Crochet section with her artwork called Scarlett.
“Jessica has created a very whimsical piece; which is a lot of fun.
“She has a lot of imagination and her tree helped by having ’eyes’ near the antennas.
“She has won this section because her crochet skills are excellent.”
Over half of the entries took on the challenging task to create a tree jumper inspired by the word fusion.
Winners, Geoff and Gillian Knott, from Goomburra Valley interpreted the word by relating it to the process of felting where wool strands are fused in a process using heat and soap to create felt.
“They have created a stunning felted piece that hugs the tree so well,” Margie said.
“Their additions and embellishments are so varied, making it a fun piece for the viewer.”
The best community group entry was awarded to the Dollie Birds Doll and Craft Group from North Maclean in Brisbane.
They were also awarded a highly commended certificate in the open artistic section for their stunning work incorporating a beautifully made doll face that looks like it is coming out of the trunk of the tree.
Warwick Art Gallery director and organiser of the tree jumper exhibition Karina Devine was very pleased with Margie’s choices.
“I congratulate and sincerely thank all of the artists for being involved this year,” said Karina.
“It is such a pleasure to see the creativity and cleverness that this festival brings out in people.”
The artworks remain on the trees until 4pm on Sunday 26 July, the last day of the festival.
Maps and a list of all the winners are available at Warwick Art Gallery.
For further information about Warwick’s 12th annual Jumpers and Jazz Festival in 2015 visit the website www.jumpersandjazz.com.
The Jumpers and Jazz in July Festival is proudly presented by Warwick Tourism and Events and Warwick Art Gallery.
