North Queensland creative talent to set the world on fire

Creative talent set to graduate

It has been a fusion of creativity and technology for one student set to graduate at James Cook University in Townsville next week.

Khara Deurhof, who is now working at Artspace Mackay Regional Gallery, will graduate with a Bachelor of New Media Arts on Tuesday (March 12).

Ms Deurhof said she what she most enjoyed about her course was learning and working with like-minded people.

“We kind of fed off each other and there was a lot of collaboration work, which I really enjoyed,” she said.

“I also enjoyed learning new photographic techniques and in my final year it was nice to be able to drive my own projects. There was a lot of creative freedom in the assessment pieces.”

Originally from the Mackay region, Ms Deurhof said she decided to study at JCU in Townsville because she wanted to study a creative arts course after secondary school.

“I had looked into fine arts courses down south but they didn't really appeal to my style of work and I didn't want to move that far away from my family,” she said.

“The Bachelor of New Media Arts course sounded amazing and Townsville appeared to be a really fun city with lots to do for young people, so I made the move in 2010.”

The New Media Arts course was appealing in all aspects, she said.

“I really wanted to study new media techniques over traditional styles of art and I thought I could really grow as an artist through this course and develop a strong portfolio of work.

“I loved the fact that I could choose from five discipline areas to study. I could study the two things that I loved - photography and graphic design. The building also appealed to me, as all the photography equipment was readily available to you whenever you needed it.”

Ms Deurhof said she had always been drawn to creative work.

“I used to do art and drawing classes when I was little and have always taken creative subjects at school like art, design and textiles. I really used to enjoy painting but I started to fall in love with photography and digital imaging when I was 17.”

Ms Duerhof said she was “loving every minute” of working at the gallery.

“My official title is Public Programs Assistant, so it's right up my alley - organising workshops, working with marketing and advertising and helping with graphic design and exhibitions.

“I have also picked up heaps of photography freelance work and even some graphic design on the side, as well as trying to work on my own photography projects. I can't believe I thought I was busy before as a student.”

Ms Deurhof said graduating was a “huge milestone” for her.

“University has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride, but it's definitely worth it. I have worked really hard to get to this point and I am just really excited to start my career in the creative arts as a professional.”

Ms Deurhof said her advice for anyone considering a career in New Media Arts, or thinking about a career in creative industries in general would be to “go for it”.

“I think it's really important to support young, up coming artists, especially in our regional cities,” she said.

“New Media Arts is the way of the future, and there are so many fantastic opportunities that can be made available to you if you work hard and do your research.

“Start networking and building up your portfolio now, because while there are lots of opportunities, there is also a lot of competition. I would tell them to think big, be inspired, work hard, collaborate, practice and follow your dreams. If you want a career in the creative industries, you can make it happen.”

Issued March 8, 2013

JCU Media contact: Caroline Kaurila (07) 4781 4586 or 0437 028 175