SALA Podcast

In this episode, SALA chats to artist Elizabeth Close. Elizabeth talks about the path she took to becoming a visual artist and how her love of art was influenced by her grandmother. She discusses how her work is inspired by other indigenous artists, such as Nyunmiti Burton, and non-indigenous artists like Georgina Hill, and how her practice has become more diverse over the years. She reveals some of her favourite works and the reasons why she holds them in high regard. She talks about her recent recovery from brain surgery and how keen she is to get back into the studio to work on a new cultural sovereignty project that’s in the making. Finally, she tells listeners where they can find some of her collaborative works around the city of Adelaide, including the mural of Uncle Stevie Gadlabarti Goldsmith on Wright Street. APY Lands - https://anangu.com.au/ Nyunmiti Burton - AGSA Yaritji Young - Biennale of Sydney Blak Douglas https://blakdouglas.com.au/ Karla Dickens - https://www.agsa.sa.gov.au/education/resources-educators/resources-educators-ATSIart/karla-dickens/ Reko Rennie - https://rekorennie.com/ Georgina Hill - https://www.georgiahill.com.au/ More on the skink Tarutharu at the Adelaide Zoo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtbzgfG9SlY A Blanck Canvas - https://ablanckcanvas.com/ Jack Buckskin – Kaurna language: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCp3_brrD7xr_9N2OxRC1Oz8MfsMok34H James Chocran – Jimmy C - https://www.akajimmyc.com/Street_Art The Pride and the Profit -https://www.instagram.com/p/CERC2cZDizH/?img_index=4 Elizabeth and Jimmy C’s mural of Uncle Stevie on Wright Street, Adelaide - https://www.instagram.com/p/CDD3tWvjgD7/ Elizabeth and Thomas Redett’s mural of frogs - https://www.instagram.com/p/CNEtnuZjv_Y/?hl=en&img_index=1 https://www.instagram.com/elizabethclosearts/ https://www.facebook.com/elizabethclosearts Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. Learn how to start a podcast here.

In this episode recorded at the Adelaide Central School of Art, Suzanne Close talks to 2025 SALA Feature Artist Sue Kneebone, and her monograph writers Nicole Clift, Elle Freak and Andrew Purvis. They discuss the different approach each writer took in writing their essays, and how each was influenced by different aspects of Sue's work and career, in particular the use of found objects and other materials, and the role her family history has played in her body of work.  Sue discusses her influences and impulses, and reflects on her colonial settler history and the way it informs her practice, and how she wishes to keep vouching for First Nations voices and environmental awareness. Show notes: Sue Kneebone Elle Freak talks about the Dangerously Modern exhibition Nicole Clift - https://www.nicoleclift.net/ Andrew Purvis James Tylor Sue’s exhibitions: Naturally Disturbed The Ceaseless Tide Pamplemousses Garden Tamara Baillie The Great Australian Silence Kerala POP Studios Julie Gough Photo by Sam Roberts. Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. Learn how to start a podcast here.

For this special SALA podcast episode, Elise from Inspiring South Australia talks to scientist and artist Annette Vincent in her studio garage. Annette talks about her background in science as a myrmecologist (someone who studies ants) and the path that led her to being an artist, and the work that inspired her 2025 SALA exhibition '15 Years On, Arkaroola Wildlife Sanctuary Revisited'. She explains how she is driven by the threat of climate change to actively sketch during biodiversity surveys in her role as a volunteer with the Scientific Expedition Group, contributing to a visual history of changing landscapes.   Inspiring SA website Annette Vincent Gammon Ranges Underdale College Arkaroola Mount Gee Scientific Expedition Group Myrmecology Myrmecia Georgia O’Keeffe Gawler Ranges Sue Kneebone A video showing the Chine Collé process   Photo by Eugene Suleau. Music I use: Bensound.com License code: VDH5DVGOFPNHY24Q Title: Crazy Coffeehouse Artist:  Lunar Years

In this special episode recorded at the Adelaide Central School of Art, Andrew Purvis talks to 2024 SALA Feature Artist Julia Robinson, and her monograph writers Hannah Kent, Leigh Robb, and Jess Taylor. They discuss the collaborative process that brought the book to fruition, and how each of the writers used Julia’s work as inspiration for their pieces, particularly her interest in folklore, horror themes and feminism. Julia also delves into working with designer Rachel Harris on the visual representation of the monograph. In the Q&A section, Julia explains how the book was structured around each of the writer’s interests; the process for creating her sculptures; and the significance of dark themes in her art. Finally, Julia discusses the impact of receiving the Feature Artist award, and the influence and importance of SALA Festival on her career and the opportunities it affords all artists. Show notes: JuliaRobinson.net Hannah Kent Leigh Robb – Instagram Jess Taylor Satanic Panic Tilberi – Icelandic Folklore The Wicker Man (film, 1973, directed by Robin Hardy) The Song of Master John Goodfellow gourd (fruit) The Gourdfather Beatrice in the 2020 Adelaide Biennial at Museum of Economic Botany Rappaccini’s Daughter Scylla – Greek mythology Adelaide Central School of Art Julia’s monograph at Wakefield Press

For this special Science Week podcast, presented in partnership with Inspiring SA, SALA talks to Willunga-based artist Claire Foord. Claire talks about her artistic journey, her inspiration, and the profound impact of her personal experiences on her art. She delves into how her work has been influenced by a spontaneous bilateral cerebral arterial dissection she suffered three years ago, which serves as the basis for her SALA exhibition 'Occipital’. Claire also shares the story of the stillbirth of her daughter Alfie, and the charity called Still Aware she founded to raise awareness around stillbirth in Australia. Claire is a finalist in the SALA Inspiring SA Science in Art Award, and The Advertiser Contemporary Art Award.

In this episode, Eugene chats with freestyle embroidery artist Cheryl Bridgart. Cheryl talks about the history of her home/studio at Beltana House on Carrington St in the city, and how her work is inspired by her dreams and her love of the natural world. She shares her excitement at being part of the Lunar Codex program, which will see her work travelling to the moon early next year. Finally, Cheryl speaks of her love of working as a South Australian artist, especially during SALA Festival.    Cheryl's biography History of Beltana Station. Guildhouse & Guildhouse Greets Adelaide Zoo ‘Lose Yourself in Melbourne’ ad More about the Lunar Codex program Doctor Samuel Peralta SpaceX Cheryl’s episode on Colour in Your Life. Goolwa, South Australia Cheryl on Instagram Cheryl on Facebook Cheryl’s SALA exhibition   Music: Dark Water by Xylo-Ziko Photo by Jack Fenby

In this episode, Steph catches up with Helen Fuller in the artist’s home studio. Steph asks Helen about the range of mediums she has used over the years, what it’s like to have a book published about her career, and Helen gives context to the artwork that featured on the 2023 SALA Poster & program. They also chat about the influence of family on her artmaking, and the joy of coming home from walks with a pocket full of curiosities. Her exhibition Shedding is on at Adelaide Central Gallery until 27 October 2023.   Show notes Interview Transcript (PDF) Helen Fuller, Samstag Museum of Art, UniSA, Adelaide Festival 2022 / catalogue Helen Fuller (book) Wakefield press SALA Feature Artist: Info / Archive South Australian Living Artist Publication Shedding, at Adelaide Central Gallery (until 27 October 2023)   Music: Raven Warble - Chad Crouch

In this episode, Steph catches up with artist Monika Morgenstern. They chat about the overarching theme of mysticism in her work, and what kind of materials she uses to explore something so intangible. They trace spiritual moments across her life, from childhood awe at Europe’s cathedrals, to the natural splendour of Lake Tyrrell in Australia.   Monika.Morgenstern.com/biography Adelaide Central School of Art ArtsSA fellowship / Arts & Culture Grants Program Erni Tinesz (glass artist) Numinous encounter Wordless Silence at Barossa Regional Gallery, Mon-Sun 11am-4pm, 26 July – 2 October 2023. Prima materia [wikipedia] Jerome Lyons / Cheese Factory Studio Gallery, Meadows SA Strathalbyn, South Australia Sea Lake, Victoria Masonic lodge THRFG - Creative Health Art Prize 2023 @MonikaMorgensternArt MonikaMorgenstern.com Monika on Facebook & YouTube Monika's work on Shop SALA   Music: Dark Water by Xylo-Ziko

Steph catches up with artist Ian Gibbins in this special science-themed episode presented in partnership with Inspiring SA. They chat about Ian's work as scientist and how it informs his art, and some surprising parallels between the fields of science and art – from the urge to show your work to others to the tedium of failed experiments.   Show Notes IanGibbins.com.au Chris Wallace-Crabbe Vincent Buckley Urban Biology The Joinery Ian Gibbins, Beyond the Floodtide Conservation Council South Australia Catherine Truman A Partnership for Uncertain Times: Art + Science + Technology [catalogue] ANAT / the Australian Network for Art & Technology Ian Gibbins, dog daze, 2017   Image: lo Music: Ian Gibbins (used with permission)

In this episode, Steph catches up with multidisciplinary artist Kaspar Schmidt Mumm. They throw back to his mother's artistic influence, and trace that framing of art as a vehicle for bigger things through to his latest exhibition, Rockamora. Tune in to hear why participatory sculpture isn't at all like sitting in the front row of a comedy show, and what Ursula Le Guin has to do with offering chips to bullies.   Show Notes: Interview Transcript (PDF) KasparSchmidtMumm.com @Kaspartness (Instagram) Koruna Schmidt Mumm Jean-Michel Basquiat Kaspar’s Painting works Kaspar’s Paper works IMMI / IMEMI Humboldt Forum Berlin’s bizarre new museum (Guardian article) ROCKAMORA over the years ROCKAMORA at Adelaide Contemporary Experimental (ACE) 10 June – 12 August 2023, 11am-4pm Tues-Sat, free entry Porter Street Commission The Carrier Bag Theory of Fiction – Ursula K. Le Guin The Bait Fridge Slowmango.com /  @Slowmango_   See also: ABC Art Works Series 3, Episode 19   Image: photo of Kaspar by Emmaline Zanelli, courtesy of ACE Music: Blob Funk – Slowmango, 2023, Hypercolour Miscellaneous, courtesy of Kaspar  

In this episode, Steph catches up with artist Kasia Tons in her cosy Adelaide Hills studio. They talk about her early days in the textile industry, the labour-intensive nature of her work, and how her work calls for a re-examining of the human relationship to nature.   Show notes: Transcript (pending) One Year Dress project Guildhouse Collections Project Biotic Commune at the Museum of Economic Botany @PussyRiot GuerrillaGirls.com Future Materials Bank @fashion_for_bank_robbers @Kasia.Tons on Instagram kasiarosetons.com

In this episode, Steph catches up with artist Chris De Rosa in her home studio in Port Elliot. They chat about how she found her way to art-making, the versatility of paper as a material, her recent exhibition Seaweeding, and how living on the coast informs her practice.   Show Notes Transcript of this interview [PDF] Henry de Toulouse-Lautrec – French painter, printmaker, illustrator JamFactory Paper Mache / Papier Mache flora (noun): the plants of a particular region, habitat, or geological period. Seaweeding exhibition [art almanac] [inDaily] beachcombing (noun): an activity that consists of an individual “combing” (or searching) the beach and the intertidal zone, looking for things of value, interest, or utility. Museum of Economic Botany Jessie Hussey Spongia: a genus of marine sponges in the family Spongiidae containing more than 60 species. Porifera: the phylum that sponges belong to. Taxonomic rank (phylum, class, order, family, genus, species) The Drowned World, JG Ballard, 1962 Sea Tulip bust (noun): a sculpture of a person’s head, shoulders, and chest. Honor Freeman: artist, performer Mickey Mason: artist & filmmaker Susi Benger: eco-conscious swimwear designer @CocoAndShy Horseshoe Bay, Port Elliot Super 8: type of film camera Giuseppe Faraone: sound designer Cath Kenneally: writer, poet. Rosina Possingham: artist, graphic designer Guildhouse Catapult mentorship program Trent Walter & Stuart Geddes [artguide interview] Good Bank Gallery, McLaren Vale Valerie Taylor: artist, filmmaker, marine conservationist ‘Water People’ exhibition (28 May - 31 July 2023) at Coral St Art Space, Victor Harbor Flinders University Museum of Art @Chris_DeRosa on Instagram   Music: Monplaisir - The Rise The Walk The Hope via FMA.

Steph catches up with sculpture artist Anna Horne ahead of her exhibition Colour Me Soft at Hugo Michell Gallery. A bit of reminiscing about her first outdoor exhibition reveals how Anna found her way to using concrete in her work - which she is now known for using. They chat about the dynamics of being an artist driven by material and process (rather than pre-visualised ideas), and the influence of current issues on Anna’s artmaking.   Show Notes Interview Transcript (PDF) Adelaide Central School of Art Anna Horne, Weigh Down, 2014, rope, concrete, dimensions variable, installed in Rymill Park as part of FELTnatural 2014 Jimmy Dodd / Double Diamond art fabrication Art 21 ‘A World Of One’s Own’ (podcast) conversations between Tai Snaith and a diverse group of different female-identifying and non-binary artists. Phyllida Barlow [wiki] Alison Wilding [wiki] Neoteric exhibition, 2022, Adelaide Train Station [catalogue] Shifting exhibition by Centre for Creative Health at Dentons [catalogue] Colour Me Soft at Hugo Michell Gallery ‘colour me [something]’ (idiom): An exclamation used to indicate some particular emotion or condition. ‘You did the dishes and cleaned your room? Well, colour me amazed—I never thought the day would come!’ AnnaHorne.com.au @Anna_Horne

Steph catches up with artist Shirley Wu, who is known for her glass sculptures containing coloured oils. They chat about how her work is informed by previous training in aromatherapy and bodywork, and ultimately underpinned by mindfulness. Shirley is currently an artist-in-residence at Nexus Arts and gives us some insight into her upcoming exhibition Find that Pace as part of the Adelaide Fringe Festival 2023.    Show Notes Interview Transcript (PDF) Nexus Arts bodywork (noun): therapiesand techniques in complementary medicine that involve touching or manipulating the body. aromatherapy (noun): the use of aromatic plant extracts and essential oils for healing and cosmetic purposes. Shirley Wu, Holistic Therapy 3, 2019, Blown glass filled with essential oil, cork. 30cm x 20cm x 15cm City Rural Emerging Artist Award: a SALA Award sponsored by City Rural Insurance. See past winners. Peter Minson FELTspace – Artist-Run-Initiative / Gallery in Adelaide Ursula Halpin Canberra Glassworks Chinese calligraphy [wikipedia] joss house (noun): a Chinese temple Kuan Ti Temple [sa.gov.au] Architecture Museum – UniSA Out of Site, curated by Melinda Rankin at the Lounge Gallery (SASA Gallery) in 2006, featuring Stephanie Radok, Annalise Rees and Qi Zhang. [PDF] Find that Pace as part of the Adelaide Fringe Festival ShirleyWuJianzhen.com @ShirleyWu.Jewellery   Shirley would like to acknowledge Bridget Currie and Jingwei Bu, her mentors for her current project; Dr Christine Garnaut and Dr Julie Collins from the Architecture Museum at UniSA; and Dr Eleen Deprez who is writing the essay for Find that Pace. Main image by Juan Van Staden courtesy of the artist and the University of South Australia

Steph catches up with self-taught painter Caitlin Möhr after a busy year that included her debut solo exhibition ‘An Introspective Journey’ at Collective Haunt. Transcript of this episode [PDF] Show Notes cadaver (noun) a deceased human body that is used to study anatomy introspection (noun) the examination or observation of one's own mental and emotional processes breathwork (noun) conscious, controlled breathing done especially for relaxation, meditation, or therapeutic purposes mindfulness (noun) 1. the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something. 2. a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique. Viewpoint, 2022, Caitlin Möhr and Miles Dunne at The Lab An Introspective Journey [image gallery] [Essay by Connor Foley] Caitlin Möhr, Embracing, 2022, oil, googly-eyes and gap filler on canvas, 122x91cm. Accompanying floor-text: Love yourself. Truly. Wholly. Deeply. The earth is crying for it. To resist yourself is to resist existence. Resist resistance? Solomon Kammer [website] [painting workshops] down pat (adjective) learned, mastered, or understood perfectly Floating Goose Studios & Gallery caitlinmohr.com.au @cait.lin.mohr

Steph catches up with artist Ash Tower during the exhibition Studios 2022 at Adelaide Contemporary Experimental (ACE).  They wax poetic about knowledge systems – from library shelves and scientific journals to the honor board at the RSL – which may sound like a dry subject, but Ash’s work reveals a contagious reverence for the humanness that surrounds the growing and organising of knowledge. There’s also talk of architecture, gaming, Baz Luhrmann film trivia, and coffins. Transcript of this episode (PDF) Show Notes www.ash-tower.com Adelaide Contemporary Experimental (ACE) Postcards from the Bibliopolis, 2013 Barr Smith Library, Adelaide Studies of Nature, 2017 Nature (journal) RSL: The Returned and Services League of Australia is a support organisation for people who have served or are serving in the Australian Defence Force. The Burning of Vision, 2021 Baroque architecture Via Purifico, 2021 Romeo + Juliet (film), 1996, Baz Luhrmann Final Fantasy X (game), 2001, Squaresoft … underneath the grove of sycamore that westward rooteth from the city’s side, so early walking did I see your son. (Romeo and Juliet 1.1.119-121) 14 Things You Didn’t Know About Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet [cosmo article] underneath the grove of sycamore, 2021, ink on paper. 760 x 560mm ACE Studio Program Studios 2022 exhibition at ACE

Steph catches up with Ruby Allegra ahead of their solo exhibition ‘From My Room’ at Newmarch Gallery. Fittingly, their chat takes place in Ruby’s room, where they discuss the concept of the bed as a workspace, (a key theme of the exhibition), accessibility in the arts, and a love of Matisse. See also: blanket forts, and what spoons have to do with anything. Transcript of this interview (PDF) Show Notes @RvbyTheArtist on Instagram ‘From My Room’ by Ruby Allegra at Newmarch Gallery @NewmarchGallery on Instagram From My Room Opening Night, Friday 4 November, RSVP for physical attendance or keep an eye out for online attendance option. [Eventbrite link] What is Spoon Theory? – Happiful article Post Office Projects Gallery & Studios [website][Instagram] ‘Only use your bed for sex and sleep’ [Guardian article] ‘White cube gallery’ [Wikipedia] ‘Visibility’ at Wyndham Art Gallery [Exhibition Catalogue as PDF] POC [person/s of colour] Ruby Allegra, Disabled Nudes ‘The Blue Nudes’ by Matisse [Wikipedia] Frida Kahlo [Wikipedia] Photo of Matisse in bed       Main image: A person with brown hair in a pink jumper holds a gray short-haired cat and looks at the camera. Photo of Ruby Allegra by Sia Duff. Music: Siddharta Corsus - Star of David via FreeMusicArchive.org

Andrew Purvis sits down with Julia Robinson to discuss her exhibition The Beckoning Blade at Hugo Michell Gallery during SALA Festival. From scythes to smocks, the Burry Man to the Wicker Man, witchfinders and gourdfathers; tune in to hear about the cultural, conceptual, and material considerations that drive Julia’s practice.   Show Notes JuliaRobinson.net The Beckoning Blade at Hugo Michell Gallery Matthew Hopkins - Witchfinder General The Burryman The Wicker Man (film, 1973, directed by Robin Hardy) The Song of Master John Goodfellow gourd (fruit) The Gourdfather Beatrice in the 2020 Adelaide Biennial at Museum of Economic Botany Rappaccini’s Daughter The Names of the Hare (poem, translated by Seamus Heaney) Transcript of this episode (PDF) Image: Julia Robinson by Sam Roberts. Julia Robinson is represented by Hugo Michell Gallery. This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through Arts South Australia, its art funding and advisory body.

Andrew Purvis chats with Mark Valenzuela about his journey as an artist and his current exhibition, 'Still Tied to a Tree' at Adelaide Central Gallery. Tune in to hear about his influences and connections to his practice – from Filipino culture, to chess, to the fictitious villain General Zod.   Show Notes 2022 SALA Feature Artist Still Tied to a Tree at Adelaide Central Gallery Book: Mark Valenzuela by Belinda Howden, Anna O’Loughlin [Wakefield Press] Paul Pfieffer Cristina Taniguchi, Maria Taniguchi General Zod [Wikipedia] Terraforming Agimat (amulet) [Wikipedia Opposition (direct opposition) in chess [Wikipedia]   Further Reading: Meet your Maker: Mark Valenzuela - The Adelaide Review [article]

In this episode, Steph catches up with painter Josh Juett (and Winsor the lorikeet) at his homestudio ahead of his show LOST IN THOUGHT at Praxis Artspace. They chat about the early days of his practice (including his first sale, a seascape for $1 in primary school) and through various artistic and musical influences that Steph definitely had to google later. Tune in to hear about his new work that broaches new mediums and the rationale behind the exhibition.   Show Notes Greg Simkins  / @Craola Alex Pardee  / @AlexPardee Ron English  / @RonEnglish Pop surrealism Robin Eley  / @RobinEleyArtist Otto Marseus van Schrieck Aesop Rock ‘colonize Mars on Earth Day’ (Tetra - Aesop Rock) LOST IN THOUGH at praxis ARTSPACE / @praxisARTSPACE @JoshJvett