A unique partnership between Australian Red Cross, South Australia and a well-known local artist has been formed to benefit victims of the Eyre Peninsula bushfires. Red Cross launched the special West Coast Bushfire Appeal following the tragic fires in mid-January 2005.
The bushfire appeal, being operated in cooperation with the government of South Australia has now reached over $817,069.
After hearing about the fires, Adelaide artist William (Bill) King offered to help those affected by holding a special exhibition and sale of his artworks.
As the official charity of the Clipsal 500, Australian Red Cross will be on site both during the event and The Parade Food, Wine & Music festival where the Clipsal 500 will be staging a major promotion. Red Cross volunteers will collect on behalf of bushfire victims at both the Clipsal 500 and the festival.
People visiting the Food, Wine & Music Festival on Sunday 13 March will have the opportunity to view a range of works by Bill King during the popular, day-long event.
Mr King, whose work is known both nationally and overseas, has announced he will donate half the proceeds from all sales during his daylong exhibition to the special Red Cross West Coast Bushfire Appeal.
Kerry Symons, Acting Executive Director, Australian Red Cross, South Australia said Mr King’s heartfelt offer was one of a number coming directly from the community by people offering their talents, time and skills in very personal and unique ways.
“This is another innovative way individuals are demonstrating their help for bushfire victims. I encourage people to visit the festival, enjoy Mr King’s work and take in all the excitement of the day,” Ms Symons said.
After hearing about the bushfires, Mr King said he felt a sense of personal responsibility and obligation to the community in which he lives.
“I was wondering what I could do. I have this body of artwork, and I knew I could give something. The bushfire was local -- my own backyard. I was motivated simply to do something only because I could.”
Mr King’s exhibition will located near the Norwood Oval on the Parade and will continue until 5.00pm.
Available for interview:
Kerry Symons, Acting Executive Director, South Australia, 08 8100 4662
William (Bill) King 0424 622 980
Background Information:
William (Bill) King, 38, was born in Katherine, Northern Territory and has lived in Adelaide for twenty years.
His work is inspired by nature and he describes his paintings as diverse -- featuring a large range and using age old indigenous techniques, such as straight lines, strokes and dots. His art highlights an explosion of colour and fundamental shapes which can be found in nature with a minimum use of iconic symbols.
Mr King says he strives to paint the patterns he observes in nature in a random way attempting to reproduce these consistently in all his art.
“I enjoy breaking down these patterns by understanding what people see in a minimalist way. I believe this works at our sub-conscious level.”
Bill King has exhibited extensively in galleries in Australia, Europe and Canada.
