Connections Archive

Kimberley Ellison
Editorial intern

A natural history illustration exhibition became the first to grace the new walls of Avondale College's Joanne Felk Gallery this past Sunday (September 7).

The solo exhibition by Daniel Atkins (pictured) is also the first for the artist, an Avondale alumnus whose interest in illustrating began while studying at college. "It's nice to come back to where it all began," Daniel said. He sees Avondale as one of several stepping stones toward his career. "But at the same time," he said, "it was so much more than just a link."

His work is inspired by the intricacies in the natural world and communicates accurate scientific information while breaching the barriers of technical language. He describes his purpose as an artist as being "to provoke appreciation, not just of nature and its ecological and aesthetic value, but an insight into the mind of the Master Artist."

Staff members, students and members of the community attended the launch in the gallery, which, following a $12,000 refurbishment, now has new plasterboard and paint and a "re-hanging."

Andy Collis, a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Lifestyle Education and Visual Communication, said the gallery compares well to facilities at other tertiary institutions and makes a significant contribution to Avondale's cultural and academic profile on its journey to university status. "We're proud of this exhibition space," he said. "It demonstrates we are progressing and offering better facilities for students as they prepare to become practising artists themselves."

Natural History Illustrated is open until September 28.

Credit: Kimberley Ellison