Video of FIPA TheAppWhisperer Special Award – The Gates of Paradise

Speech for the Gates of Paradise Award – FIPA – 18 June 2015 – to be read by Dilshad Corleone

“The theme of Gates of Paradise was selected by Joanne Carter of TheAppWhisperer to honour the gilded bronze doors of Florence’s Baptistery of San Giovanni and to provide a backdrop of inspiration for mobile artists to reflect on their lives, experiences, feelings of love and tranquillity.

The artist that we have selected for the Gates of Paradise Award graduated from one of the most exclusive Art Schools in the world and following graduation completed further study to gain a Masters of Fine Arts.

This artist has embarked on a lifetime of professional and personal achievements. Hugely successful, this artist juggled working in both film and design. Simultaneously, working with art direction, set design, props for films and television commercials. In addition to food styling, wardrobe, makeup and signage; building her own successful freelance art career and enabling her to enjoy the trappings of success.

At 34 years old this artist was diagnosed with advanced stage non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and told there was slim chance of survival beyond six months. 26 years later, this artist creates mobile digital art every single day, usually from her bed, for others. This artist has spent over 17,000 hours in the past 4 years working on digital mobile art specializing in portraiture, with the unique ability to utilise all their skills with precise execution to create incredible art.

The winner of the FIPA Gates of Paradise Award is Carolyn Hall Young and although she can’t be with us today, she’ll be watching this presentation and enjoying every single moment. Carolyn created this image ‘Reflection of 40 Years Ago’ and there is no question, it is the most appropriate reflection of the criteria for the Gates of Paradise Award. She has captured the very essence and as Carolyn herself said ‘each moment has been a Gateway to Paradise, to the Stunning Goodness of now’.

We are proud to present Carolyn with this incredible iPhone case created by the most talented and unique silversmith of Florence, Pampaloni. In addition to this we are honoured by the generosity of Digital TinTypes.com to offer a physical 5” x 7” TinType of one her digital mobile images (of her choosing) as a wonderful keepsake

Please join us in congratulating Carolyn Hall Young on receiving the highest achievement award that we could bestow, well done Carolyn”.