“I mean obviously it was a ‘good shock’ to win the award, and I’m just so happy that my artwork has been recognised,” the 18-year-old HSC student said.

Nicola attends the Sydney girl’s school Ascham as a boarding student and submitted her artwork ‘Out of Time’ as one of her major works for the HSC.

She explained to the Post how she picked up her interest in photography and what the significance was of the artwork’s title:

“My mother Tina Milson (who also had a couple of artworks on show at the awards) was always carrying a camera around and I guess I picked up the interest in photography from her,” she said.

“Mum was the one who actually thought that the two photos I submitted for the award would be perfect, so I guess I also have her to thank for believing in me.

“The significance of the title ‘Out of Time’ was taken from a Kenneth Slessor poem of the same name that I have been studying during my HSC. It’s about seeing something beautiful that to other people might seem confronting and horrifying.

It’s also about confronting death- we all know that its apparent, and its about seeing the paradox between the horror and the beauty of it.”

Mum, Tina, was ecstatic to collect the award on her daughter’s behalf.

“My husband Guy and I are really proud of Nicola, and she’s always had a good eye for photography and also a great imagination,” Mrs Milson said.

“She deserves to do well in her HSC and be able to stand out on her own. I know she has been working extremely hard.”

Goulburn Regional Art Gallery Director Jane Cush and guest judge Danie Mellor were really encouraged with the breadth and depth of local art.

“We are in the company of some great artists, and there’s some fantastic works on the walls here tonight,” Mr Mellor said.

“In many ways, it’s a real visual feast and to be able to see what work artists have been producing and the level of quality they have put in is something which is just fantastic.

It’s also great to have a venue such as the Goulburn Regional Art Gallery and the Goulburn Art Awards to see the best come out. It also means my job as a judge is made so much easier.”

Ms Cush was also impressed with the number of people who turned out for the awards.

“I’d estimate that we had about 100 people here tonight, and I think that the selection of art here tonight represents a great balance of artistic syles and mediums,” she said.

“It’s also great to see a local artist represented who is young and still at school!”