Bream Bay news: Outstanding design resonated with both judges and audience at this year's Art n Tartan Wearable Art Awards

This year's Art n Tartan Wearable Art Awards winners and models on the stage with Supreme award winner Carole Hebberd, Me and My Shadow, holding the Alison Turner trophy. Photo/Supplied

Art of the Shadow
One outstanding design resonated with both judges and audience at this year's Art n Tartan Wearable Art Awards – Supreme award winner Me and My Shadow, designed by Carole Hebberd, also won People's Choice.

This year's show had a contemporary edge with co-directors Jayden Rudolph and Annie Newall creating a theatrical performance featuring dance and music including elements of Maori, Scottish and Asian cultures.

Hebberd also picked up a second award for her creation Flora Bundance in the Crowning Glory millinery category.

Hebberd, originally from the UK and now Waipu-based, has entered Art n Tartan twice before, winning a category two years ago. Ideas for this year's design were already forming at the end of last year's show, she said.

"I knew I wanted to include monarch butterflies, even before the categories came out, although I did not know how I would include them."

Judges commented her design had fabulous stage impact, a powerful personal message and outstanding attention to detail.

Me and My Shadow, winning design from Waipu's Art n Tartan show. Photo/Peter Grant.

Hebberd lives with MS and wanted to portray the struggle of living with a chronic condition.

"Even if you are struggling, you can overcome. He's the demon that lurks around in the background all the time and even though he looks horrible, there is still beauty and strength in him."

It doesn't have to be MS, she says the shadow represents any condition someone is dealing with.

"Cancer, drugs, mental issues - sometimes the shadow wins, but he doesn't always."

She drew inspiration from the Sara Bareilles song Brave used in a touching YouTube video by a US children's hospital, and numerous other sources – Russian born surrealist Vladimir Kush, Game of Thrones, Braveheart, medieval armour.

"I did a lot of research on armour, Robert was covered in armour of all sorts."

She met model Robert Spriggs last year when he modelled a costume she co-designed.

"We needed someone comedic – this year he needed to be a little more serious."

She estimates it took her six months to pull the costume together – eyesight problems from her MS meant she could sometimes only work on it for two hours a day.

Plans for next year's design are already in the pipeline.

"I have so many ideas. I start with sketches and then work out what I can make and what would be too difficult or cost too much."

Category winners were: Our Nation, Our Place 1= Kaitiaki by Robyn Coutts and Perception by Leanne Kemp; Scottish Surreal 1= Ravioli Rose by Alarnya Ashby and Me and My Shadow by Carole Hebberd; Frost and Flame – Octopoda Crossostrea by Sophie Denby and Leatitia McCracken; Illumination Creation – Contessa Twin Essence by Gina Lee; Masks – Bob the Jellyfish by Lauren Papworth. Special Awards were: Young Artist – Disco Dave by Rauamoa Tuhoro; The Story Teller – Bedroom Bride by Bronny Kaire; The WOW factor – The Scream of Lady Macbeth by Pav Stacey; McNeedle and Thread – Crystal Phoenix by Mallonae Garton; Arcs and Sparks – Hub n Bustle by Maggie Wistrand; Top Model – Julie Levell; Crowning Glory – Flora Bundance by Carole Hebberd.

For a chance to examine the costumes in detail, head along to the exhibition later this year in Waipu.

Bream Bay College ball
Bream Bay students danced the night away at their annual college ball last week with the theme Tropical Nights.

Cutest couple at the Bream Bay College ball, Siobhan McDonald and Conor Hall. Photo/Tessa Paton

Shenae Doak-Smith and Richie Levita arrive at the ball on a traffic management truck. Photo/Tessa Paton

Award winners on the night were Beau: McLeod Ritchie, Belle: Dallas Vousden; Prince: Tiahorangi Morgan-Edmonds, Princess: Nina Matenga; King: Nokisi Kaiarake, Queen: Thalia Heiwari; Cutest couple: Siobhan McDonald and Conor Hall; Best-dressed: Haylee Rudolph and Seth Faogali.

Bream Bay swimmers win trophies
Two Bream Bay swimmers collected trophies at Northland Swimming's annual presentation last Sunday. The awards were based on last season's performances.

Northland's Junior Swimmer of the Year Hunter Dobson receiving his trophy from Swimming Northland life member Liz Furey. Photo/Julie Paton

Hunter Dobson was Northland Swimming's Junior Swimmer of the Year for achieving at the highest performance level for a swimmer of 12 years or under. Paul Linton won the Monica Cooper LM Trophy for fastest male 200m backstroke, the Bruce Cooper LM Trophy for fastest male 100m backstroke, the Swimming Northland trophy for fastest male 50m backstroke, the McCahon Family Trophy for fastest male 50m butterfly, the Maurice Fitchett LM Trophy for fastest male 200m individual medley and the Swimming Northland Trophy for fastest male 100m individual medley.

Shortbread competition
Winter in Waipu is winding down – one of the final events is the fiercely contested Waipu Fire Brigade shortbread making competition. There are four categories: Lads, Lassies, Kiddies (primary school age) and Novelty.

Bring your entries to Waipu Fire Brigade this Sunday between 11am and noon for judging. All entrants must be present to explain their creations as part of judging. Results and prizes announced at 3pm. For more information contact Trevor at waipu.motors@xtra.co.nz

One Tree Point quiz night
There are still tables available at One Tree Point Primary School's annual quiz night fundraiser on August 3. There are prizes for winners, for the best themed table, spot prizes, bar and eftpos, raffles, auctions and pro-drive and shuttles to get you home. Tickets are $20 per person, includes food, 4-8 people per table. Tickets are available from the school office.

■ Email Julie Paton at moojoy@xtra.co.nz if you've got Bream Bay news to share with Northern Advocate readers.