The wareware is primarily a carnivorous creature, naturally aggressive and fiercely protective of biodiversity.
It spits a boiling concoction of what resembles local hot springs water scalding potential polluters and those who seek to harm its territory.
EARTH GUARDIAN: Molly Campbell's fictitiously named wareware is naturally aggressive and fiercely protective of biodiversity.
St Margaret’s College year 13 student Molly Campbell has won the New Zealand Ultimate Concept Artist Award for this intimidating creation.
The Weta Workshop and Massey University-sponsored "earth guardians" character design competition aims at promoting careers in film, game, and television.
Young concept designers are charged with creating a character to defend the earth, using nature and the elements to inspire their work.
“I’m really happy that I had a chance to design something and work out of my comfort zone," Campbell said.
"Art has always permeated all aspects of my life. I just love to create.”
Molly Campbell
She planned to continue her creative path by studying fine arts, either at Canterbury University or Massey.
Rebekah Tisch, art director at Weta Workshop, said selecting a winner was a challenge.
“While our primary interest was in the images of the creature designs: the story, depth of thinking and creativity shown in the written descriptions was what helped us come to the ultimate decision.
"Molly’s design and description of the wareware guardian was nuanced, considered, and showed bold design decision making."
The wareware was a great mix of terrifying and attractive, with plenty of interesting details, she said.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the idea, that within the design, we can find elements of extinct fauna. I also love that this creature is both protecting nature as well as protecting the memory of the past.”
Massey University introduced the Earth Guardians Character Design competition last year, and the top prize also went to a Cantabrian, Burnside High School's Madeline Head.
