Heartfelt Art Makes Connection With Contest Judges

Newcastle Herald

Thursday October 7, 2004

By GREG WENDT

TEENAGER Fiona Tsang's art mirrors life.

The year 12 Belmont High School student was inspired by two traumatic events to create an artwork that will be seen all over Australia.

The 17-year-old and her classmates have overcome a difficult 12 months, first losing a close friend in a car accident, then having to come to terms with the destruction of their school in an alleged arson attack in June.

"Both those events touched all of us greatly," Fiona said.

"First we lost our friend, then we lost all our happy memories of years at school, but we got through it by sticking together."

Inspired by the tragedies, Fiona entered the National Telstra Pay Phone Art Competition which had the theme "connecting Australia".

Her work, in "manga" (Japanese comic book) style, shows a boy and girl connected by a ribbon and won the 13-17 years category.

Fiona's artwork will be seen on public phones around Australia.

Her prize also includes a computer package and art grant valued at more than $7500 for her school.

© 2004 Newcastle Herald

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