Sarra Tzijan named next Grindell’s Hut resident

Port Willunga sculpture artist Sarra Tzijan has been selected as the latest recipient of Country Arts SA’s prestigious yet rugged Flinders Ranges residency.

The Grindell’s Hut Artist Residency supports an artist to be immersed in their practice for three weeks in the breathtaking Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park.

With no phone or internet access, it’s a rare chance to switch off from life’s distractions.

Sarra intends to use the opportunity to investigate how place shapes knowledge, objects, daily rituals and cultural practices – topics she has been particularly engrossed in since the birth of her daughter two years ago.

“My work is informed by lived experience as an Indian-Australian woman navigating multiple cultural perspectives within a colonial context,” Sarra said.

“My heritage and the time spent working alongside Aboriginal communities have shaped a practice grounded in relationship, where making is inseparable from place, family and community.

“I’d like to connect with Nepabunna community and understand, where culturally appropriate, the particular histories and stories of that place and those people.”

Sarra said she hopes the residency will inspire her to create new adornment (worn accessories and ornaments) and sculpture work influenced by her experience on Adnyamathanha Country.

She also plans to give back by sharing her sculptural skills with the broader community while in the Flinders Ranges.

“My formal training is in metalwork and has evolved to include a wide range of materials and processes that focus on tactile methods like beading, casting and sculpting,” Sarra said.

“I intend to run an introductory metal-working workshop where participants will create a piece of wearable work, such as a pendant, neckpiece or pair of earrings.

“I’ll encourage participants to incorporate any found objects that might hold significance for them or that speak to their personal narrative.”

Country Arts SA visual arts coordinator Asha Southcombe said the Grindell’s Hut Residency panel – Samstag Museum associate curator Anna Zagala, Country Arts SA visual arts manager Lauren Mustillo, past Grindell’s Hut resident Edwina Cooper, and Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges park ranger Sian Johnson – were impressed by Sarra’s application.

“Sarra demonstrates a sensibility within her practice that resonates deeply with the values of the Grindell’s Hut Residency,” Asha said.

“It was clear through her application the profound impact that this residency stands to have on her life and practice at this time, and her care and consideration in engaging the Nepabunna community within her work and proposed community engagement.”

The Grindell’s Hut Artist Residency takes place biannually in October and is a partnership between Country Arts SA, and the Department for Environment and Water through the Vulkathunha‐Gammon Ranges National Park Co‐Management Board.  

Photos: Rosina Possingham, Connor Patterson.