The world at her feet

HEALESVILLE resident Rowena “Row” Goodwin has been a constant high achiever when it came to her artwork.
So when Row was placed within the Top VCE Achievers in Studio Art and received the Senior Art Crescendo Award at her graduation from Billanook Secondary College last year, it was hardly a surprise to her family and teachers.
Strongly influenced at a young age by her mother, an established silk artist, she has always enjoyed art and has a folder full of awards from her school years.
Row is especially proud of her Year 12 folio where she focused on the plight of child soldiers after watching a video on the issue in Year 9.
“A lot people in my class didn’t even know it was happening. A lot of people chose topics for their folio that were boring. There should be something in your art,” Row said.
“By doing my art I get my voice out and show what’s happening in the world.”
For her Year 12 folio pieces she used oil paints and wire to create a series of canvases and a sculptured dress that Row says helped her depict the issues and turmoil of a child soldier.
After going on exchange to Canada for three months and a trip to Italy through school, Row says world issues and the world itself both seemed to be strong influences on her art.
“Italy was pretty amazing. I had to work hard at Coles [in Healesville] for that trip,” she said.
“It was worth it. I love travelling around the world, seeing and experiencing new things. I think it really influences my art.”
Row is looking forward to starting her three-year Fashion and Textiles Merchandising course at RMIT in Brunswick this week.