GROWING up in the Italian port of Trieste, Footscray artist John Gambardella fell in love with all things nautical.
The sea and the ships that criss-cross the world’s oceans have never lost their allure and have been a recurrent theme in his work.
Mr Gambardella’s nautical artwork has made him a finalist in the Mission to Seafarers Victoria 2012 maritime art prize.
It’s the sixth consecutive year the self-taught artist (pictured) has been a finalist for the prize and Mr Gambardella hopes his work, Divine Intervention, will be considered worthy of the $15,000 first prize. “I was born in Trieste, in the north of Italy, and it is a very big port. I love the water; I’ve always been drawn to it.”
Mr Gambardella says the painting is a symbolic interpretation about the need to safeguard the old world of the Mission to Seafarers headquarters by the docks in Melbourne against an ever-growing modern expansion bearing down on the area.
“It’s such a unique building. That Docklands area is getting so crowded now. This is almost like a message not to forget to look after it. Those cranes are there almost in a protective way.”
Mr Gambardella notes that many people seem to be unaware of the valuable work Mission to Seafarers has carried out for more than 150 years, helping sailors and others who dedicate their lives to the sea.
The painter has also kept busy this year on a number of projects, including a series of paintings titled The Italian Connection.
This follows exhibition of his works at last year’s Florence Biennale international contemporary art exhibition as well as awards and a special mention at the Corangamarah art prize in March.
The maritime art prize exhibition will be held from October 5-31 at the Mission to Seafarers building, 717 Flinders Street, Docklands.
