Tracy Luff's sculpture Recapturing the Soul was made up of 80 per cent of recycled materials, and won the Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens' SHBG Sculpture Prize on March 26.

The installation was showcased as part of the garden's Earth Hour event in Bowral.

"I received the news of my win via email the next day and was pleased for the recognition," she said.

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"The concept for Recapturing the Soul reflects the organic roots of the timber industry.

"From trees to wood to pallets, it now sprouts from ancestral roots, dancing joyously."

Ms Luff has been an avid user of recycled materials in her installations and said this piece was "no exception".

The artist was awarded the accolade and prize money alongside Highlands jewellery designer Tracy Hopkirk.

Judges Dr Pamela James and artistic director at the SHAC Robertson Jane Cush loved Ms Luff's piece.

"It is about the materiality of the work and she has resolved it beautifully," the judges said.

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"The form follows on from her previous cardboard sculptures, but this time is literally more polished as she has used discarded pallets to create her upward spirals."

The Goulburn artist said it was an honour, and a great opportunity to get back involved in the arts once again, after a couple of difficult years.

"Working as a full-time visual artist over the past couple of years has been very challenging due to the many postponements and cancellations of exhibitions and other events that artists rely upon to build their professional profiles and earn a living," she said.

"Fortunately, the shows that were postponed have been rescheduled and I have exhibited in several so far this year."

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Sculptures from preschoolers, students and adults from the Highlands and Tablelands were featured throughout the Bowral gardens.

You can see the installations at the gardens until April 8, and also have the opportunity to purchase the unique masterpieces.

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