I am deeply honoured to have been awarded the inaugural St Columba’s $10,000 Art Prize for my work, Ataraxia; stillness within (2025). The prize was announced at a busy opening event on Friday, 2 May 2025, held in the beautiful grounds of St Columba’s Catholic College, Springwood NSW. The evening was attended by Susan Templeman, Federal Member for Macquarie, and brought together artists, art lovers, and community members to celebrate the inaugural event.
This year’s St Columba’s Art Prize drew a remarkable response, with 280 artists from every state and territory submitting entries. From this impressive pool, the judges selected 73 finalists, whose works were showcased in the transformed heritage-listed Brauer Hall-now a professional gallery space for the exhibition
The judging panel featured Catherine O’Donnell (contemporary artist), Dr Clare Nicholson (materialist sculptor, painter, and educator), and Sarah Birtles (Director of Sarah Birtles Art + Advice). At the announcement, Dr Clare Nicholson offered a thoughtful critique of my work:
“Working at the intersection of paper sculpture and natural materials, James Blackwell’s practice explores the expressive potential of paper as both a two-dimensional surface and a sculptural medium. Through methodical grid structures, he has created intricate patterns and lines that evoke a quiet repetition suggesting ritual and religiosity. These meditative processes are deeply rooted in the rhythms of the natural world.
Incorporating Australian native botanical seeds, this work speaks to cycles of growth, memory, and regeneration. The botanical elements are not simply materials, but are embedded with cultural and ecological narratives, grounding the work in place and seasonality. Arranged within geometric frameworks, the seeds become both motif and matter-conveying a tactile dialogue between the natural and the constructed, the sacred and the everyday. James’s work invites a contemplative viewing experience, offering a space where structure meets spirit, and the material world is quietly transformed through devotion to process.” - Dr Clare Nicholson
I am grateful to the judges, organisers, sponsors, and the wider community for supporting this event and for recognising my work. Congratulations to all the finalists-your creativity and dedication made this exhibition a true celebration of Australian art.
