Bad Romance by Lady Gaga was the song of choice for Shona Baker, winning her the People’s Voice Award at this years’ 5X7 Art Prize.
This year’s theme was ’That Song’, which impressed all who attended The Louise Joel Gallery to view the Hobsons Bay Arts Society’s exhibition.
Excited to have won, Ms Baker said she was pleased people related to her piece.
“I think everybody could relate to that, everybody’s been in at least one toxic relationship,” she said.
“The theme had a huge amount of scope but I wanted this to look like someone who could be stuck in a bad romance.”
The idea behind Ms Baker’s piece was to make the woman sad and incorporate a man to convey the meaning of the song.
“I painted in the dude that represents the one she’s in the toxic relationship with,” she said.
“There is a mannequin facing her in both directions, so whichever way she turns, he’s there.
“I chose the colours of red and black to be a little bit goth and have a little bit of fun, so to not take myself too seriously with it and be very playful.”
This win has encouraged Ms Baker to keep at her passion while she navigates working full time.
“It encourages me that I am on the right track, and I am grateful for the opportunities this might bring” she said.
“I am not a retiree so taking this time was quite a luxury for me. It was really time away from me making money but it is important to nourish the soul.”
