College student, Amy Laing's photographic ability has been recognised at the Wallace Secondary School Art Awards, which reward and celebrate emerging artistic talent in New Zealand. Organised by the Wallace Arts Trust, the awards is a nationwide competition which attracted 290 entries this year. Amy, who is in Year 13, was one of 31 finalists chosen to exhibit her work at the historic Pah Homestead gallery. Her photographic work 'Paul' is a blue futuristic piece highlighting the architecture of the Auckland Museum. This was Amy's first entry into an art competition and follows her exhibition in the Jack Paine Centre at the College.

She is influenced by alternative jewellery, art and clothing along with artists who challenge traditional ideas within art and art practice, such as Sally Mann and Damien Hirst. She is inspired by the concept of chance events that change our view on life. Her work is on display in the Jack Paine Centre in the exhibition space called the Meeting Room. Titled 'Uncomfortable Comfort' it features photographs of her work and also small resin sculptures of animal remains.

'My artwork kind of suggests there is beauty in death,' she says. 'I called it 'Uncomfortable Comfort' because it's a double negative, because it makes people uncomfortable.'

In the future she hopes to continue her passion for photography as this will assist her further studies in media production and advertising.

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