We recently sat down with artist and designer Sarah Keane to learn more about her vibrant and joyful artworks showing all this month at the Joinery.

Introduce yourself!

Hi! I am Adelaide based Artist / Designer Sarah Keane. I am most inspired by colour, nature and patterns and LOVE to create bright works that are full of energy and joy.

I enjoy creating works often mixing different mediums together such as acrylic, aerosol, watercolour, gouache, ink, pastel and resin to create texture and unique layered effects. Because I am passionate about sustainability and caring for our environment I also enjoy incorporating old items that can be recycled or repurposed.

This collection of works features landscapes and elements from nature that are uniquely South Australian. I spend my time creating and selling my original creations, working on commissions, coming up with new designs for licensing as well as painting larger scale murals.

I also have the pleasure of working as ‘Artist In Residence’ at Youth Inc where I get to champion creativity, find opportunities for and mentor youth in art and creative practices. 

Tell us about yourself as an artist in three words:

Enthusiastic, Energetic and Colourful

What do you like about the Joinery?

I love that The Joinery is an oasis in an urban jungle, it is a connection point, bringing people together, offering services and ways to join together to champion nature and sustainability! 

Why is it meaningful for you to have your artwork showcased here?

Firstly I am passionate about sustainability and nature so I am excited! I recognise as an artist I have an opportunity to tell a story, or bring attention to an idea, a theme or cause. I am really passionate about caring for our land and honoring our connection to place and story. I am hoping to spark ownership and desire to join in caring for, restoring and conserving our uniquely beautiful South Australian Landscapes.

What inspired you to create this work? 

Over the past couple of years I have focused on creating works that are uniquely Australian, inspired by our native flora and bird Life. I have found both so inspiring to create and also has a purpose behind why I am creating. When COVID hit my family had started out on a camping trip around Australia and we had to come home! We had only made it to the Ikara Flinders Ranges but I was so inspired by the formation of the land, first nation stories of connection to land, all it’s uniqueness so I  painted my first ever landscape painting. Being only able to travel within SA, I turned my attention to other uniquely South Australian landscapes.

What is the message you want audiences to take away from this exhibition:

There is so much beauty right here, so much that needs our attention for conversation and restoration. I hope that my art may capture some of the beauty, stir a connection or even prompt others to look, research, be informed, find how they can partner with helping make a difference.

You can view Sarah's collection in our Exhibition Space throughout June 2021 (admission is free).

To follow Sarah's daily arty adventures or to get in touch, visit her Facebook page or Instagram.