Life beyond Radford
Dean Cross
- Indigenous Leadership Award, The University of Sydney
- The Dean's Award for Academic Excellence, Sydney College of the Arts, The University of Sydney
- Australian Dance Award, with QL2 Dance, for Outstanding Achievement in Youth Contemporary Dance
- Highly Commended - Macquarie Emerging Art Prize 2015
- Bachelor Degree, The University of Sydney, Visual Art
- Bachelor Degree, Queensland University of Technology, Fine Arts (Contemporary Dance)
What does life look for you now?
After an extensive international career has a professional dancer and choreographer, I have shifted my creative focus to Visual Art. I now work across the sculptural and pictorial fields, working through painting, video, photography and sculpture in the expanded field.
I have exhibited widely across Australia, which includes numerous solo and group shows. This year (2017) I will also be exhibiting at the Art Gallery of South Australia as a part of the Tarnanthi Festival, Australia's largest art festival for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander's. My work has been acquired into private collections across Australia, USA and France, as well as the public collection of the Queensland Museum of Technology's Art Museum.
Tell us what you are passionate about?
I am passionate about art and culture, and doing what one can to ensure its relevant place within the broader cultural milieu.
What is your favourite Radford moment?
The majority of my memories from Radford are fond ones, and choosing one particular favorite seems too limiting. I feel honoured and privileged to have been able to attend such an excellent school.
How easy was it to decide what to do in life?
Difficult question. Easy in the sense that it has never been a decision. One must follow ones ambitions no matter the cost. Having said that, there have definitely been difficult times, as there always will be when forging a new path.
Did your further study or career go exactly as you'd planned?
Nothing ever goes exactly as planned, and therefore I have found it best not to plan too far ahead anyways.
What do you know now, that you wish you'd known when you were at Radford?
Humility.
What advice do you have for current students?
Be brave, you have more control than it may seem.
