Artists draw inspiration from ‘the magic of minerals’ in SA Museum exhibition

For Jackie Saunders from Ceduna on South Australia’s far-west coast, art is power.

So, having the opportunity to showcase her art in SA Museum is an exciting moment.

The Ngarrindjeri, Wirangu, Kaurna and Kokatha woman is both a visual artist and a singer who has performed around the world.

She has been working alongside fellow artist Laura Wills over the past six months to create the installation Mineral Lines, which is launching tonight in Adelaide.

“I’ve enjoyed it. I think it’s been really good,” Ms Saunders said.

“It’s been fun working alongside Laura and it’s good to see our work together.”

The collaboration was made possible through Tutti Arts, an inclusive arts organisation that works to support the development of artists living with a disability.

“It’s been really good, I’ve enjoyed working with them. I’m very excited and I’m looking forward to the opening,” she said.

A range of artworks will be on display including murals as large as 1.8 by 1.5 metres.

“There’s the big mural we’ve done, you can see that as you walk in,” Ms Saunders said.

“Then on the other walls there’s my three big paintings that are colourful, and then there are all these little paintings that Laura and I did.”

Inspired by nature

Both artists drew inspiration from “the magic of minerals” for the artwork.

“That’s what I’ve really liked about the minerals; the patterns, and the colours. It actually reminded me of Aboriginal art. I do a lot around nature,” Ms Saunders said.

She also draws inspiration from her family who come from Korroong, Grafton and her parents come from Ceduna.

She has been experimenting with different forms of art and is excited to have the opportunity to play with diverse mediums.

“It’s been good fun. I used to do dots, but now I do line work. I’ve been working on paper,” Ms Saunders said.

“I’ve actually enjoyed working on paper — [for] something different — it’s been good.”

Ms Saunders told the ABC that she wanted to say hello to her family from afar, and she encouraged people to go along to the art exhibition.