Recent Curtin University jewellery design graduate, Alister Yiap, is the only WA finalist to be selected for the 2010 Qantas Spirit of Youth Awards in the industrial and object design category.
The Canning Vale resident, who is quickly adding to his list of accolades, submitted a selection of designs from his collection.
“I presented an array of designs from my runway couture range, Malachi, which is my commercially designed jewellery and fine jewellery collection,” Alister said.
“I am fascinated by the world of jewellery and fashion focusing on identity and individuality. I’m interested in self and how one finds themselves through art practice.
“Mostly I base my ideas around something that is truly unique and individual.”
Alister was recently announced the winner of the WA Fashion Awards in the fine details accessories category and won the installation prize at Art in Bloom, an exhibition presented by the Art Gallery of Western Australia.
He also took out the award at this year’s Perth Fashion Festival in the fine details accessories category and recently showcased his work in the Beyond Garment exhibition at the WA Museum Maritime in Fremantle.
Brenda Ridgewell from Curtin’s School of Design and Art, who taught Alister, said it’s rewarding to see a new graduate do so well, so quickly.
“Alister is enormously proactive and productive. He has taken the WA fashion scene by storm. He has worked very hard and deserves this recognition,” Ms Ridgewell said.
The tireless designer has always enjoyed working with his hands – drawing, crafting and constructing his designs. He also loves to experiment with new material and cutting-edge technology.
“A lot of my work is three dimensional with geometrical structure – they are works of art,” he said.
“A piece I featured in an exhibition recently, titled Geometry, resembled a cube-like structure, almost lego-looking, which used laser technology to discover new ways of working with acrylic.
“I enjoy using materials in a different way; left of centre from its original purpose and creating pieces that entices a second glance and further inspection.”
Alister is part of the top 10 finalists’ group which will be narrowed down to three finalists in early October. The winner will be announced at the 2010 Qantas Spirit of Youth Awards gala event to be held in Sydney on 11 November 2010.
