SALA - Artist Bios

'The subject of my artworks for this exhibition is Earnest James, my Dad. He died when I was a lad in 1967. As I have grown older I have become more interested in his story. He was a soldier in World War II and spent some time in New Guinea. Three years ago I visited New Guinea to find out what the environment he experienced was like and walk the Kokoda Track with some school friends. My artworks reflect the buildings, the letters home to mum, the troop ship he sailed in, lollies that Dad loved and the general feel that Dad’s memory and my research brought forth. This has been a personal creative endeavour that I have enjoyed doing. To create these pieces I have worked in a variety of mediums including printmaking, acrylic painting and ceramics.'

Rod James - Pulteney Art teacher

Abbey Rawson is a South Australian visual artist, illustrator & writer. She is a graduate of the Adelaide College of the Arts, with a major in printmaking, and partook in the Creative Incubator Program focusing on digital illustration. She has received funding from The Helpmann Academy and Carclew to undertake visual arts residencies in India, Italy & Scotland. Abbey also participated in an illustration mentorship with Sally Heinrich, an incredible visual writer, illustrator and arts practitioner.

Abbey is inspired by natural history, anthropomorphism, surrealism and mythology. The characters and creatures featured in the exhibition were designed through combining elements from people, flora and fauna. They all feature in Abbey’s first picture book, Baz Likes Hugs. Abbey is currently working on her first novel, and her second picture book.

Abby Rawson - Old Scholar

'I am ethnically Italian and since 2016 I live and work in Adelaide.

I have been introduced to the blacksmith world at an early age by my grandfather, who was also a blacksmith, and since then I loved to bend steel to my will.

My passion for the unknown lead me to study Science and become a Plant Researcher and only recently, since 2019, I rediscovered blacksmithing as a way of life. My scientific background, though, helped me to develop a remarkable attention to details and shapes which makes my ironworks unique.

The years spent working with plants as a Plant Scientist transpire in my creations that are inspired by Nature's forms and outlines. Take the time to feel and enjoy Nature's harmony in each of my art pieces.

If you're curious to see more of my works, follow me on Instagram at instagram.com/matteo.riboni. Any additional request can be done at matteoriboni@hotmail.it'

Matteo Riboni - Pulteney Labaratory Technician