Samuel Hughes

Raised in The Blue Mountains, Sydney, for one reason or another I developed a independent streak that did not fit in with conventional schooling. Instead, staring out of classroom windows, I developed observational drawing skills and a love of art.
After high school in 1996, I became a jeweler which honed much of my impatience: I learned that impatience can be focused and with experience, it can be used to push you to achieve higher things.
Also, my interest in visual graphics has led me to publish many posters, cards, and stickers for small companies, sports groups and affiliation groups over the years.
Members of my family discovered we have Aboriginal heritage and I linked things deep in my nature to this, I realized that there was more to me than being a jeweler and I needed to find out more about myself and my identity. After traveling for a year, found myself in Newcastle. Where I made contact with my cousin, an artist, curator and art teacher, who inspired me and led me to believe that I could pursue a career in art.
I consider my skills gained and background has giving me some advantages in the art world so far and today I’m finding which genre excite me in my art work.

Finalist - Brett Whiteley Traveling Art Scholarship 2005 and 2007,

Second prize – Reg Russom Memorial Drawing Prize 2006,

Winner - Sharon Grierson Education Prize (nominator: Michael Bell) 2005,

Semi-finalist - NSW TAFE Art Prize 2004

2006

Solo show:

‘Volume Project in Exile’ from 1 May - Newcastle Art School Gallery

‘The Volume Project’ from 18 February - Volume Art Space, Newcastle

Group show:

‘Nest’ from 29th of November - Newcastle Art School

‘Collectors Care’ from 15th of June - Newcastle Art School

‘Nature Strip’ from14 April - John Paynter Gallery

2005

Group shows:

‘Stuff’ from 9 November - Newcastle Art School

‘Perforated’ from 26 October - Newcastle Art School

‘Alt’GEO’ from 10 November – Newcastle Art Space


2004

Solo shows:

‘Heaters and Gowns’ from 30 May - The View Factory

‘Morning coils’ from 3 October - The Last Drop

Group Exhibitions (as curator):

‘Eye Cuisine’ from 26 August - Southern Cross

‘Orange Fusion’ from 1 September - Newcastle Art School





Prizes:

Second prize – Reg Russom Memorial Drawing Prize 2006

Grand finalist - Brett Whiteley Traveling Art Scholarship 2005

Winner - Sharon Grierson Education Prize (nominator: Michael Bell) 2005

Semi-finalist - NSW TAFE Art Prize 2004