ON EXHIBITION @ The Centre Beaudesert

K'gari was a place of joy and plenty for the Butchulla people who spent a large part of each year there until colonisation. As a high schooler in the 1970s, I knew a man called John Sinclair who knew Butchulla people well and shared their love for the beautiful island, devoting most of his life to preventing the ravages of sand-mining, logging and overuse.

After K’gari was given World Heritage listing, beautiful photos of her tall forests, cool creeks, shining sands, her deep crystal-clear lakes were circulated all around the world. However not everyone looks after her well.

This body of work tells a story of loss and the rebirth of hope. Zela's work responds to devastating fires on the island in 2020 which burned for 6 weeks and consumed one-third of the vegetation, followed by rains and new growth. 

Join Zela as she takes you on a journey sharing her deep connections with K'gari, Fraser Island and nature's capacity to renew.

ABOUT THE ARTIST / ARTIST STATEMENT

Zela is an Artist, Educator and Author based in Gympie, Queensland. She has exhibited in Queensland regional centres, published two children's books and offers regular workshops in papermaking and other arts practices.

Zela’s deep connection with her natural environment is evident throughout in her diverse range of artwork, teaching and speaking. Materials drawn from her permaculture garden and rural surroundings are used to make many artworks including botanical papers, inks and brushes.

Her long-term advocacy for native flora and wildlife is reflected in her compositions, which include wearable art, drawing, painting, cast paper, mixed media assemblages and works in kombucha film. Recent works deal with the resilient forces in the nature world, particularly the mystery of seed germination and ecosystem regeneration after fire.