| The Priceless Gift: Utzon's Symphony Contributor(s): Chidiac, Anthony (Author), Arvithis, Michael (Illustrator) |
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ISBN: 0648285707 ISBN-13: 9780648285700 Publisher: Tellwell Talent OUR PRICE: $12.30 Product Type: Paperback - Other Formats Published: April 2018 |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Young Adult Fiction | Biographical - Young Adult Fiction | People & Places - Australia & Oceania |
| Physical Information: 0.12" H x 8" W x 10" (0.30 lbs) 44 pages |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: The Priceless Gift explores the inspiring story of Jorn Utzon whose gifts of creativity, imagination and determination would change the landscape of Sydney forever with his innovative Opera House design. By relying on the wisdom of famous architectural designers and using nature as his inspiration Utzon's buildings dramatically came to life from their surrounding environment. As an architect Utzon dared to dream and strove for beauty and excellence with his groundbreaking designs. His Sydney Opera House project challenged the engineers with questions never encountered before in a building that over time he was able to solve. Nevertheless, his radical vision came into conflict with the politicians and powerbrokers who questioned his overall direction and planning decisions. They were more concerned with balancing budgets and meeting strict deadlines than with creating a priceless work of art for the city. With his Opera House half finished and feeling frustrated and betrayed Utzon resigned from the project, leaving the site, never to return again. Over several decades many people pleaded with him to come back to finish his unique project. Eventually he relented to their persistent pleas completing the drawings which reflected his original and timeless vision for the people of Sydney. Utzon's Opera House has changed the identity of Sydney putting the city firmly on the global map. |
Contributor Bio(s): Arvithis, Michael: - Michael Arvithis has been an avid drawer and painter ever since he picked up a pencil. Since then, Michael's skills had naturally developed, and he has participated in many art competitions and programs including a community art program for the Canada Bay Council (in which he won 1st prize for their Art Week competition), becoming one of 50 specially selected artists among hundreds of applicants to have their artwork displayed permanently at Westmead Children's Hospital, and winning a competition in which Michael's artworks were used in anti-bullying material for the Anti-Discrimination Board of NSW. Other artistic ventures for Michael have included designing posters and brochures for various theatre companies, designing album covers for various musicians and recently illustrating children's books. Michael continues to pursue his dream of developing and illustrating his own material.Chidiac, Anthony: - Anthony Chidiac is an up and coming writer who has written various short stories and articles for school magazines, newsletters, newspapers and journals for over 10 years. Anthony is a High School teacher with a HSIE background and is currently working as a Diverse Learning Specialist in a culturally diverse, school in South Western Sydney. He has worked as a teacher for almost 30 years. The school setting has exposed him to a wide range of students, allowing him to gain a solid understanding of their motivations/ interests in exploring and interacting with a text. In his role Anthony has taught Literacy and Writing skills to students ranging in ability from upper primary to the HSC level. Some of his students have gone on to develop and publish their own work. Anthony was proudly involved in the mentoring, editing, promotion and publishing of their books. Anthony has worked in libraries and community centres across Sydney delivering a range of seminars and workshops to many students for a number of years. Anthony has studied extensively and has graduated with several Degrees. He has a B.Ed. (Hons). M. Ed (Counselling), Grad Dip Arts, M. Arts, Dip. Business (Marketing), Grad Cert. Inclusive / Gifted Education and is looking at undertaking further research in the field of Education. As part of his Masters Research Degree Anthony has written articles that have been published in Academic Journals. Anthony is also involved in the wider community and works as a Family and Adolescent Counsellor and makes himself available as a Justice of the Peace. 'The Priceless Gift' is his first major writing project written for a young adult audience. This writing of this book began in 2008 only to be left for some years and later continued and completed in 2017, just in time to commemorate Utzon's 100th birthday in 2018. |