Kym Latter is a Fraser Coast based artist who makes contemporary sculptures from recycled materials, and owner of Happy Creative Art Studio, a Maryborough-based art studio that encourages people of all ages and abilities to explore their creative side and discover the joy of bold colour, layers and texture through arts and crafts.
Kym is a natural creator of beautiful, whimsical objects. Her colourful presence echoes her vibrant personality, and her love of arts and crafts is something she is excited to share with others.
An avid recycler of reclaimed materials, Kym has abandoned her inhibitions and embraced her love of the unconventional, letting her imagination run wild and free. An elegant fish made from black plastic bags, delicate beetles from toilet rolls and cereal boxes, and adorable animal portraits from egg cartons, there is no end to Kym’s quirky creations.
“Using reclaimed materials from household waste, roadsides, op-shops and recycling centres forces inventiveness to transform them into something artistic and beautiful,” she says. “This encourages a shift in perception for the viewer about waste and consumerism.” – Kym Latter
Kym believes in creating art for fun and has no room for “art rules” or judgement. She welcomes experimentation, individuality, and self-expression and if it feels like fun, then you’re doing it right! This is Kym’s passion, and she willingly shares it with others, freeing them of their insecurities with her nurturing guidance and unique ability to make you feel comfortable and safe.
Education
1996 James Cook University, Bachelor of Visual Arts (Graphic Design)
Awards
2023 Finalist (3D), Du Rietz Art Awards, Gympie QLD
2023 Highly Commended (Sculpture), Annual Members Art Exhibition, Maryborough QLD
2023 Highly Commended (Abstract), Fraser Coast Ag Show, Maryborough QLD
2022 Highly Commended, Heroes & Villains Exhibition, Maryborough QLD
2021 1st Prize (Abstract), Fraser Coast Agriculture Show, Maryborough QLD
2021 1st Prize (Sculpture), Fraser Coast Agriculture Show, Maryborough QLD
2016 Finalist, Clearwater Sculpture Prize, Queanbeyan NSW
2016 Finalist, ACMD Acquisitive Art Prize, Fitzroy VIC
Solo Exhibitions
2022
- Isolation Beetles Project – Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery, Bundaberg QLD
- Isolation Beetles Project – Gatakers Artspace, Maryborough QLD
Group Exhibitions
2023
- Du Rietz Art Awards, Gympie QLD
- Mary Valley Art Festival, Imbil QLD
- Annual Members Art Exhibition – Maryborough Art Society, Maryborough QLD
- Fraser Coast Agriculture Show, Maryborough QLD
2022
- Waste To Arts Exhibition – Gatakers Artspace, Maryborough QLD
- Bundaberg Art Prize, Bundaberg QLD
- 75th Annual Art Exhibition – Maryborough Art Society, Maryborough QLD
- Heroes & Villains Exhibition – Maryborough QLD
2021
- Waste To Arts Exhibition – Gatakers Artspace, Maryborough QLD
- Bundaberg Art Prize, Bundaberg QLD
- Mary Valley Art Festival, Imbil QLD
- Fraser Coast Agriculture Show, Maryborough QLD
2020
- Bundaberg Art Prize, Bundaberg QLD
- Females To The Front – Lewis Gallery, Hervey Bay QLD
2019
- Waste To Arts Exhibition – Gatakers Artspace, Maryborough QLD
- Bundaberg Art Prize, Bundaberg QLD
- Mary Valley Art Festival, Imbil QLD
- Draw The Shades – Fraser Coast Art Collective, Hervey Bay QLD
2018
- Waste To Arts Exhibition – Gatakers Artspace, Maryborough QLD
- Mary Valley Art Festival, Imbil QLD
- Fraser Coast Agriculture Show, Maryborough QLD
2016
- Clearwater Sculpture Prize, Queanbeyan NS
- ACMD Acquisitive Art Prize, Melbourne VIC