Kelston Boys' student wins art award

Stand out: Award winning photographer Jerome Webby.

By LEANNE WARR

Jerome Webby grew up in a family who appreciate the arts.

So it was no surprise when he found a niche for himself in photography.

Jerome's work has just won the secondary school division of the Mazda Art Works awards.

The Kelston Boys High student received $1000 and another $1500 for his school.

He was handed a big cheque "just like the golfers get", he says. "It was pretty good."

Jerome, 17, entered the competition last year but didn't place. He says this year's win has inspired him.

"You start believing in yourself more," he says. "It's a neat feeling to win, especially when you see the body of work that surrounded it."

Jerome says he's more suited to photography than drawing or painting.

"You're confined in drawing," he says."I can't explain with a pencil the way I can with a photo.

"Painting's great but it's not for everyone."

Jerome intends to study law and arts at Auckland University next year but will continue to experiment with photography as a hobby.

"It's something I'll always do," he says.