Artists Selected For State-Wide Project
Two local artists have been selected to participate in the state-wide Regional Futures project 2022. The Western Riverina Arts Regional Futures Mentorship sought applications from young artists between 16 and 25 and a mentor artist of their choice. Emerging young Wiradjuri artist Jacob Charles will work with Griffith based sculptor and jeweller Hape Kiddle to develop his skills and expand his future in this field.
Regional Futures is a two-year creative project funded by Create NSW and delivered by the NSW Regional Arts Network which represents 15 members organisations that support and promote artists and creative practice across regional NSW. At the heart of the project is collaboration across sectors bringing artists and other experts together, exploring the future of the regions. The artists will participate in a ten-week self-directed creative development program that will involve weekly online sessions with various thought leaders and studio visits from the project's Artistic Director.
Regional Futures will culminate with the showcasing in Sydney of new works developed as part of the project.
ABOUT JACOB CHARLES
Emerging artist Jacob Charles began his artistic journey under the tutelage of his grandmother who was a Wiradjuri artist of national significance (Vale V Collins 1962-2022). Jacob’s main focus is on illustration, however he has also experimented with other mediums and styles. His 2021 piece Pear was produced as a high-quality gift card and sells in local gallery and museum shops across the Western Riverina. Jacob says: “I have been doing art for my whole life and I always loved it. I am very passionate about art, as I had my artwork in an exhibition with my nan in 2021.” Jacob is proud of his Wiradjuri culture and history. He is currently working on five native bird pictures to be exhibited later 2022.
ABOUT HAPE KIDDLE
As a sculptor and jeweller, Kiddle has been working for many years refining a language in shape and form that reflects his deep connection to the natural world. Our relationship to it is at the heart of all his enquiries and his work is a reflection on the spiritual connection humans have to all of ecology.
Kiddle’s work demonstrates the development of this language through the mediums of wood, stone and precious metals.
For more than a decade he has also shared his love of making things by hand through in-person and online classes. There is a slowing down and reconnection to self that happens in this process that is something that really resonates for his students.
For more information visit www.regionalfutures.net.au
Executive Director of Western Riverina Arts Aanya Whitehead and Regional Futures state-wide Creative Director Narelle Vogel are available for interview.
Aanya Whitehead - 0428 882 059
Narelle Vogel – 0458 716 283
