The impact of this extraordinary year unravels what each of us took for granted and unpacks what we aspire to become...
A missed loved one, an absent daily ritual, a beautiful place in nature, empty streets, reflection. Everything has impacted our world.
Impact! showcases work by The City of Charles Sturt employees and volunteers, exploring their response to the event of 2020. Selected pieces can be seen at the Civic Centre, 72 Woodville Road, Woodville until the end of August.
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The South Australian Living Artists (SALA) Festival is an annual, month-long festival that celebrates the work of South Australian visual artists.
Katrina Williams
Information Literacy Librarian
Title of work
Kat and the Phonetic Alphabet
Artist statement
The feardemic should have been the perfect time to let my dream take flight. But an old, self-protective part of my mind had its own plans about keeping small and safe. It would have been so easy, to throw my dream into the Failed Passion Projects Bin with all the others. The world was preoccupied; no one would have noticed. But the world also has a funny way of reminding me it wants me to share my weird, earnest, playful self. When I take imperfect action despite my natural shyness and (reformed) perfectionism, when I dare to speak my perspectives, there always seems to be someone to say, ‘I really needed to hear that, thank you.’
So here I am, doing SALA in my true artform: storytelling. Kats Tales Storytelling is my big, hairy, courageous dream. It’s my own pilgrim’s journey to share stories about being human in this big, amazing, sometimes scary world. You can also find me being earnest and weird on Facebook and Insta @katstalesofficial.
Medium
Video
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| Alysia ThomasDevelopment Officer Title of workPortrait Artist statementImpact can be unexpected. We may not be able to change the situation but we can change our response. MediumMixed Media Display only |
| Alyssa ToddAsset Analyst/Corporate Project Officer Artist statementThis picture was created using shells from Crockery Bay at Port Elliot, gathered from our last trip just before Christmas 2019 at the height of the SA bushfires. This picture commemorates our favourite holiday spot and at the time of COVID-19 lockdown, our disappointment at not being able to travel and holiday. Medium3D picture, mixed media Sale Price$100 |
| Bianca ChenowethLandscape Architect Title of workEven our homes Artist statementCOVID has had an effect on all of us. The health of the elderly, the education of the young and even our homes have been impacted. Many people are ‘stuck’ in their homes and cannot visit loved ones. It has impacted mental health and broken relationships. This worldwide pandemic has affected the medical system with some doctors seemly holding up a world of pressure. This model depicts the scale of impact that COVID can have on a household.MediumMDF, Plastic filament – 3D printed, Spray paint Display only |
| David Alexander EllisVolunteer Coordinator of the Bower Cottages Pyrography Group Title of workInstallation “Empty Chairs Empty Tables” Artist statementThe Impact of COVID 19 and the Bushfires have had impact on all of Australia. In this installation I have attempted to juxtapose the empty chairs and tables of the “Café scene” at Henley Square with the wildlife affected by the bushfires. The name was chosen from the song “Empty Chairs, Empty Tables” in the musical Les Misérables. My intention was to add value to discarded items so that they become wanted again, and in turn, to reduce the impact on the environment. MediumAll materials have been reused from items either found in garage sales or at the side of the road. The black lacquered legs, bases, or frames represent burnt habitat. Sale PriceIndividually priced --Title of workSinged tree with Corroboree Frog and Sacred Kingfisher Artist statemenThe Corroboree Frog is less than 30mm long. Very few remained in the wild in 2019. After the fires in NSW no one knows how many have survived. MediumRadiata Pine Pyrographed with Acrylic Paint. The “tree” is a branch from a Yellow Gum. Both are finished with Wattyl Stylewood lacquer. The “tree” is secured to an MDF disc with a 200mm Coach Bolt finished with Black Wattyl Stylewood lacquer. Sale Price$100
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| David Alexander EllisVolunteer Coordinator of the Bower Cottages Pyrography Group Title of workTable- “Koala in a burnt forest” Artist statementMany Koalas died or were injured in bushfires. This image is of a surviving Koala on a burnt branch. An Oregon Wine table was found in roadside hard rubbish. The damaged Oregon top was discarded. The radiata Pine top was turned from a bedhead found in roadside hard rubbish. MediumRadiata Pine, pyrographed. The frame was finished with Black Wattyl Stylewood lacquer. The table top was finished with Wattyl Stylewood lacquer. Sale Price$150 --Title of workStool - Kookaburra Artist statementKookaburras are not always able to escape bushfires. I bought the stool from a garage sale. The original manufactured board top was discarded and the radiata Pine top was turned from a bedhead found in roadside hard rubbish. MediumRadiata Pine, pyrographed. The legs were finished with Black Wattyl Stylewood lacquer. The stool top was finished with Wattyl Stylewood lacquer. SOLD--Title of workStool - Echidna Artist statementEchidnas had no chance to escape the bushfires. MediumRadiata Pine, pyrographed. The legs were finished with Black Wattyl Stylewood lacquer. The stool top was finished with Wattyl Stylewood lacquer SOLD--Title of workStool - Possum and baby Artist statementSadly, many possums perished in the bushfires last summer. A stool was found in roadside hard rubbish. The original manufactured board top was discarded and the radiata Pine top was turned from a bedhead found in roadside hard rubbish. MediumRadiata Pine, pyrographed. The legs were finished with Black Wattyl Stylewood lacquer. The stool top was finished with Wattyl Stylewood lacquer. Sale Price$75 --Title of workChair - Kangaroo and Joey Artist statementSadly, many kangaroos perished in the bushfires last summer. The chair was in need of re-lacquering when purchased at a garage sale for $2. MediumRadiata Pine, pyrographed. The legs were finished with Black Wattyl Stylewood lacquer. The stool top was finished with Wattyl Stylewood lacquer. Sale Price$75 |
| David Alexander EllisVolunteer Coordinator of the Bower Cottages Pyrography Group Title of work3 Animals Affected by Bushfires – Triptych Artist statementOnce I had found 3 discarded Carved Gilted frames I decided to chose 3 animals to pyrograph which had been affected by Bushfires; Medium3mm MDF off cuts, Pyrographed, finished with Wattyl Stylewood lacquer. Sale Price$90 |
 | David Alexander EllisVolunteer Coordinator of the Bower Cottages Pyrography Group Title of workClock-Henley Square - “Empty Chairs Empty Tables” Artist statementThe Impact of COVID 19 caused the closure of Hotels, Restaurants and Cafes. The photograph of stacked chairs and a table of the “Stella Café” at Henley Square, is mounted in the clock as a reminder of a “different normal” which we’ve experienced. The clock was an Energizer Battery Promotional Clock which came from a garage sale. MediumDigital image, Nikon D300, printed using Epson DURABrite inks, on Epson Gloss paper. SOLD |
 | Debra OpieMeals & Nutrition Officer Title of workA raucous pair of Lorikeets Artist statementLike everyone else I just didn’t see this extraordinary year coming. Overnight the traffic noise reduced considerably and there seemed to be more wildlife around, especially the local Rainbow lorikeets. Even though the rainbow lorikeet is very brightly coloured, once they are settled in their tree you can hardly see them. I have painted my lorikeets in camouflage. MediumAcrylic on canvas 760 x 960cm Sale Price$650 |
| Deb WhetstoneTeam Leader Ageing Well Title of workThe Wave Artist statementSurging and strong, lapping the shore of every country, the wave has touched us all. We are drowning in emotions as we sadly watch the rising death toll. Wishing we were immune and safe together so our families we can hold, Exhausted from the ebb and flow that’s targeting the young and old. The wave is always moving , knowing no beginning and no end, Reminding us that we are all just human, helping us to mend. MediumAcrylic on Canvas Sale Price$150 |
| Ekaterini-Saemira KotrotsosCompanion Animal Project Volunteer Title of workCOVID19 Artist statementImpact of how one’s life is changed overnight the disconnection of the human touch. Things we take for granted in our everyday lives. MediumMixed media Sale Priceby enquiry |
| JaimeProject Officer Title of workanguish Artist statementProvoking the ugliness in art, a different kind of impact. MediumDigital Display only |
| Kahla BorgCorporate Applications Support Officer Title of workTrip of a lifetime Artist statementFor my 30th this year, we planned a trip to New Zealand where we would campervan in solitude for 3 weeks with so many adventures ahead of us. This was one of the many places we planned to visit, Mt Taranaki. MediumWatercolour Display only |
| Kate StringerDevelopment Officer - Planning Title of workSunrise - Sunset Artist statementAt the start of working from home, the days were still long and warm. Where usually I would only have time to drive everywhere I needed to go, I was now given the opportunity to go for a walk before and after work, slowing down to appreciate nature and especially admire how bright the sky was and the beautiful colours of the sun rising over the hills or setting towards the beach. The latter is reflected in this artwork. MediumAcrylics Sale Price$50 |
| Kate StringerDevelopment Officer - Planning Title of workAutumn Leaves Artist statementWorking from home, has allowed me the time to appreciate my surroundings both inside my home and outside in my garden. Usually my lunch breaks are spent within the office, now I spend my breaks walking around my backyard, which provided me with the opportunity to really connect with nature. During autumn I watched the leaves transform their colours and fall from my trees, which I have represented in this artwork. MediumAcrylics Sale Price$150 |
| Kathryn ThomasPhotographer & Multi-Media Advisor Title of workLove Lies as Our Galaxy Dies MediumAcrylic on canvas 30x30cm Display only |
| Leah WojtkowskiDevelopment Officer Title of WorkLion in Green Artist StatementMany of the animals in zoos around the world have noticed that absence of humans this year. The lions at Monarto Zoo are enjoying the peace. MediumColoured pencil Display only |
| Leah WojtkowskiDevelopment Officer Title of WorkGoldfish Artist StatementVery few of us have any idea whatsoever of what life is like living in a goldfish bowl, except, of course, for those of us who are goldfish – Graham Taylor MediumColoured pencil Display only |
| Naomi CampbellVolunteer Brocas Youth Art Program Title of workFIREZONE: Burning from the inside out Artist statementThis is the first piece of my FIREZONE COLLECTION, which will be a series of images inspired by the stories I have heard from the people who experienced the Dec 2019 Cudlee Creek fire. The reference for this artwork was taken by hills resident Pete Harrison, whom I met just outside of the devastated Charleston national park while I was in the area as a volunteer for Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary, distributing donations of carrots from Zerella fresh to the wildlife affected in ways we can only imagine. I heard many stories from the hills residents I met of the fire destroying their homes, their livelihood, their properties, their animals, but not their spirit. I was truly humbled by the experience of meeting these people, hearing their stories, and seeing them care more about the wildlife on their properties than themselves. The day I drove through the fire zone for the first time left a big impact on my soul. The images of the blackened countryside triggered my first memories as a 4yr old living in Uraidla when Ash Wednesday happened. The feelings of pain for the trees and the animals felt by the child growing up in the fire scar from '83 flooded back into my mind. Viewing the fire zone through the eyes of an adult and the heart of that child, was very profound. Pete's image captures the fate of many of our beautiful native trees destroyed by this fire. It this moment it is clear the tree is burning from the inside out. The first big branch has fallen to the earth and the glowing embers take over the trunk. I collected Charcoal from the fire zone and used it to create this image. Along with pastels and acrylic paint. MediumPastels, Acrylic Paint and Charcoal collected from the Cudlee Creek fire zone. Sale Price$444 |
| Rosie DoutidisP&D Admin Support Officer Title of workSunset by the Sea Artist statementI have always been drawn to taking pictures of the sunset by the Sea, there is something so calming about watching the sunset over the water. MediumColour Photograph Display only |
   | Sally BartlettEA to the MayorTitle of WorkFreedom to travel Artist StatementWhen it comes to life, the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.’ G.K. Chesterton. These photos are a collection of my travels to the USA, memories that I now cherish even more dearly.MediumPhotography Display only |
| Sarah MaddockPlace Leader Title of WorkA Cocky Cocky Artist StatementDuring COVID19, I’ve started walking every morning around the River Torrens. Every morning the cockatoos are in the same tree, but every day they are doing something different. Just by observing I’ve started to pick up on the different habits of the different birds and where they will be at different times of day. Every day the same walk reveals many different things…including spotting a pig…but that’s another story! MediumPhotography Display only |
| Sue TullyRetired Library and Information Officer Title of workGerald and Geraldine Artist statementI have really appreciated my family and friends during the last interesting history making months. Being able to connect with them via various means, receiving their love and support and hopefully being able reciprocate the same, has been really important to me. Relationships are definitely worth nurturing with those with whom you have a connection. (It has been reported that even zoo animals have missed interacting with humans!) MediumAcrylic Sale Price$80 each or $150 for both |
| Sue TullyRetired Library and Information Officer Title of workSunshine Artist statementDuring the past few months I have spent more time in the garden, something which I seldom did whilst working and as a result I have remodelled, cultivated, cared for, appreciated and admired the beauty and magic of plants. I have always loved the elegance of yellow Calla lilies. MediumAcrylic Sale Price$40 |
 | Sunshine MarchLibrary and Information Officer Title of workInteraction 1.5 Artist statementFrom 1.5 metres socially distanced, we explore new ways to connect. With items from home and family participation I played with impact and inter-action. MediumVarious mediums on paper. Sale Price$10 per drawing. |
| Tony WilliamsProperty Management (retired 2019) Title of workSuburban Outback Renovator’s Delight Artist statementIn the City of Charles Sturt area, this backyard scene has come about due to the sad local episode of the deceased estate of my friendly neighbour. Here are some the important mosiac pieces from his lifestyle over several decades. Pictured here during the renovations is part of the suburban bungalow outback yard, garden shed for great hobbies, the famous FC Holden and his faithful dog. MediumDigital Photograph Sale PriceCopy requests framed or unframed available on request with price negotiable. All proceeds to Cancer Council SA |
| Vesna RozmanSocial Inclusion Coordinator Title of workDivination Artist statementWhat an impact this year with the shock of a pandemic wave hitting our shores! Sweeping out the old ways of doing things and taking us back to a time of our childhoods. A time of slow pace, simple pleasures and staying at home. A lot… with no permission to go out! 😊 has also brought in a new positive way of thinking.. Meetings held via weblink and only if necessary. Cars being driven only if necessary. The planet begins to heal and things like pelicans returning to the Danube in Europe- an event not seen in 40 years is just wonderful! However it wasn’t all pretty… Rioting, doctors and nursing staff under extreme pressure, no travel, cruise ships becoming incubators of horror, huge job losses and of course worldwide deaths. The COVID 19 impact has been good, bad and ugly all at the same time. My artwork “Divination” is about the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown through prophecy. Set in Antarctica, the ice melts and the new world is cleansed and revealed. MediumGouache Sale PriceCost of sale: $700 Limited fine quality prints available. A3, A4 |
