By XAVIER SMERDON
A WYNDHAM Vale teenager with a love of all things artistic and creative is using her immense skills to give back to the people that have helped her throughout her life.
Kathryn Stewart recently won first prize at the Mayoral Youth Art Exhibition, which was hosted by previous Mayor Heather Marcus.
The 19-year-old created a range of artworks, including detailed pieces using a unique technique that involves spraying paint onto a canvas at different heights.
After spending much of her life at the Royal Children’s Hospital for mental health issues, Kathryn decided to donate around 20 of her creations to the place that had helped her the most.
She said her favourite thing about her hobby was the joy it brought to others.
“It used to be about expressing myself but now I quite like people’s reactions to them,” Kathryn said.
“I just like the way they get so excited when I give them an artwork. It makes me quite happy.”
Kathryn’s house is filled with artworks ranging from woodwork to sketches and even a giant mascot costume she is creating for her local sports club.
While she is now studying a Bachelor of Psychology at Swinburne University, Kathryn said she planned to continue her artistic endeavours, but most of her pieces would inevitably continue to be given away to family and friends.
“I love creating them, but it’s easier to give them away to people who really appreciate them,” she said.
The money raised by the 2013 Mayoral Youth Art Exhibition was also donated to the Royal Children’s Hospital.
