Book inspires award-winning artwork

A Halls Head artist was crowned people’s choice in a national competition last weekend.

Belinda Joynes received the award in the Biblio Art 2016 competition for her work, Cybele.

Joynes has been entering the competition since 2011 and said it was her favourite competition.

“It’s a really small competition run out of a books/gallery in Port Fairy (Victoria),” she said.

“I loved the concept behind it, which is why I do it every year.

“You purchase a second-hand book from Blarney Books and Art and then use the story and part of the book to create the artwork.”

This year, Joynes’ book for the competition was a collection of stories about strong Amazonian women.

“I really liked the story of Cybele, she’s called the ‘great mother’ because she’s an ancient goddess connected to nature and animals,” she said.

“I wasn’t expecting it (the award) or thinking about it, so it was really nice to find out and it gave me some validation that what I’m doing is connecting with people.”

Joynes has just finished a commissioned artwork for a gallery in Byron Bay and recently signed up with Vivid Art Collections, giving her artwork a physical presence in the heart of Mandurah while her home gallery continues to grow.