2023 CHARTS Awards

A big thank you goes out to all Unity Housing tenants who put their creativity forward entering the 2023 Community Housing Arts Awards (CHARTS). Without your contribution this art competition would not happen, everybody’s efforts are greatly appreciated by Unity Housing and the Community Housing Industry of South Australia.

This year, CHARTS received over 150 submissions from Unity Housing tenants contributing to 39 successful entries. Judges were extremely impressed by the quality of all entries and laboured over the difficult task to select those shortlisted finalists.

The general public, and especially all contributing artists, are invited to attend the CHARTS Finalists exhibition which will be held from 29 September to 12 October at The Mill, 154 Angas St, Adelaide. The gallery will be open daily from 10am to 4pm.

Below is the list of tenants, their submission and participating category.

For a list of key 2023 CHARTS dates, please click on the link below.

Key Dates CHARTS Awards 2023

Adeeb – General Entry (19 & over). Poetry – Something Wrong

Medium: Written word.

Description: Something Wrong is a poem that muses about existence, the meaning of life and the ability to express oneself. The poem infers that there is something wrong with the poet. He is born and will die not knowing what is wrong or why he was born. So he lives, loves, works, travels through life without true choices. Even words cannot explain how to express his deep feelings about himself, his life and existence.

From the artist: Adeeb is an Iraqi-Australian poet and translator. He has published 25 poetry collections in English and Arabic and won the major prize of Iraqi poetry in 1999. He has translated works from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, China and the USA. Adeeb now lives in Adelaide as an Australian citizen. His poetry has been published in The Best Australian Poems 2007, The Best Australian Poems 2012 and the publications Southerly, Meanjin and Friendly Street Poets. Adeeb is honoured to have his English language poetry published in Australia, which is a fantastic achievement for any poet writing in a second language. Further information is available at adeebk.com

Kelly – General Entry (19 & over). Poetry – Stars

Medium: Written word.

Description: Written during Covid while I was recovering in a mental hospital and I was dealing with chronic flashbacks. Writing helps me release trapped trauma.

From the artist: 44-year-old self-taught poet and abstract artist. Using and integrating artistic expression to heal and cope with CPTSD, OCD, BPD, DID, NDE survivor and ADHD. Inspirational sources are Einstein and Leonard-Quantum theory, mechanics and philosophy. Pro Hart-abstract artist expression, Rumi-poetry, Sadhguru-Addiction, Eckhart Tolle-Being and Ned Kelly-bravery.

Allan – Emerging (19 & over).  Beethoven.

Medium: Fired clay

Description:

From the artist: I am self taught artist and a member of the Royal South Australian Adelaide Society (including Vice President in 2019) and the Adelaide Arts Society, both for over 10 years. I love art and even wrote a book ‘An Appreciation of Dorrit Black Paintings’

Amanda – Emerging (19 & over). “Tossed to Shore, Yet Continuing to Soar!!”

Medium: earth pigments-shells

Descriptiuon: Is about Resilience & reflection, times in my life where I’ve struggled, felt like the odd one out, going it alone, just as a Shell struggles alone on a journey through rough seas only to hit hard rocks at the shore. Yet, just as that Shell will shine bright forevermore, so shall I.

From the artist: Self-taught artist, creative since my favourite subject at school was Art/crafts & my favourite pastime was drawing, mostly animals. I developed an interest drawing Caricatures in my teens/20’s and in my 30’s I branched out into a more expressionist style and figurative work. My favourite Artists are Van Gogh & Munch and I am inspired how they express their deep inner feelings & mood and find their art very moving and hauntingly beautiful. My art is very emotionally charged, and through my paintings or sculptures I can express myself. I paint what is important to me- The Environment, Animal welfare issues, Mental Health (Depression), Justice, Self-Acceptance, Love, & Peace.

Margaret – Emerging (19 & over). “Sensation”.

Medium: acrylic paint

Description: The dancers are in the sky, dancing and feeling free of any worries in the world.

From the artist: I have always loved drawing and started painting a year ago. I love doing all types of art. I love colour and painting/drawing distinct and original ideas-anything that comes in to my mind.

Lora – General Entry (19 & over). “The Hole”

Medium: acrylic paint

Description: I created this piece recently, wanting to challenge myself with a 3D-my first attempt.

“‘ Cam’s Heartbreak'”.

Medium: acrylic paints and glitter

Description: This painting was created after my friend Cam told me a story that involved the rape of his sister, which then consequently led to her taking her own life. It is dedicated to her, Jackie. The Dragonfly represents hope, change and love and symbolises new beginnings.

From the artist: I have been painting for 25 years, my Dad was a brilliant sign writer and artist when he was alive. In my teens, I hung around an Indigenous family where the Mum was a dot painter. She let me paint but only allowed me to dot paint in white and paint the borders of her paintings. I branched out and taught myself to dot paint, starting with one dot in the middle and then I would add colour around, before moving on to painting pictures. I have experienced trauma throughout my life and I have always wanted a better life for my children. Over the years, I have taught children how to paint and have sold pieces of my art. Painting keeps me busy, preventing me from overthinking, it is a great outlet

Allan – General Entry (19 and over). “Tony”.

Medium: Charcoal

Description: I love drawing faces of people, charcoal is a fantastic meduim. I use my fingers to create this. I find faces fascinating as each face is unique and has so many different features. I did this at the Adelaide Art Society, each Monday we sketch people.

From the artist: I am self taught artist and a member of the Royal South Australian Adelaide Society (including Vice President in 2019) and the Adelaide Arts Society, both for over 10 years. I love art and even wrote a book ‘An Appreciation of Dorrit Black Paintings’

Amanda – General Entry (19 and over). “Eye for an Eye”

Medium: acrylic painting

Description: Is about my views on Justice & Injustice in the world today. I yearn to live in a society where victims of crime, can rest easy knowing their perpetrators WILL get the punishment they deserve.

From the artist: Self-taught artist, creative since my favourite subject at school was Art/crafts & my favourite pastime was drawing, mostly animals. I developed an interest drawing Caricatures in my teens/20’s and in my 30’s I branched out into a more expressionist style and figurative work. My favourite Artists are Van Gogh & Munch and I am inspired how they express their deep inner feelings & mood and find their art very moving and hauntingly beautiful. My art is very emotionally charged, and through my paintings or sculptures I can express myself. I paint what is important to me- The Environment, Animal welfare issues, Mental Health (Depression), Justice, Self-Acceptance, Love, & Peace.

Annette – Emerging (19 & over). “Katerfly”.

Medium: Acrylics on board with collage.

Description: Painting and collage of singer Kate Bush with butterfly wings. Inspired by 1920’s Life Magazine cover.

From the artist: Taking up art and crafts from the influence of my very creative Mum, I have continued to practice and learn new techniques. Art is my safe place and joy. Living in Adelaide my whole life I have only recently started to show some of my art through exhibitions like SALA and CHARTS.

Brian – Emerging (19 & over). “On the Road to Victor Harbour”.

Medium: Acrylic Paints on paper

Description: Our tenant Brian drove past this one day and like it. He took a photograph and decided to paint it.

From the artist: Brian has been painting as a hobby for over 20 years. He gets a lot of enjoyment out of painting. Brian has attended Art classes with Sky light for over 10 years. He loves attending to paint and enjoy the company of others who also enjoy painting and have similar interests.

Julie – Emerging (19 & over). “Ways”.

Medium: Acrylic.

Description: Paint With acrylics on canvas

From the artist: Been painting for 12 years I paint cards bookmarks and coasters with acrylic paints.

Margaret – Emerging (19 & over). “The Horse”.

Medium: acrylic paint

Description: ‘The Horse’ is a different type of painting, I like to make my art original. The horse’s name is Savior and he has a look in his eyes that says be careful.

From the artist: I have always loved drawing and started painting a year ago. I enjoy doing all sorts of art, as I love colour and paint the different things that come into my mind.

Tomi – Emerging (19 & over) “ENSO #4”.

Medium: Acrylic and oil on canvas. 100cm×100cm.

Description: South Australia

From the artist: Born in Finland 1965. Emigrated to Australia 1965. Currently resides in Adelaide.

Kelly – Emerging (19 & over). “True North”.

Medium: Acrylic paint.

Description: Following a cosmic path, multiple worlds in one, like an Omni verse.

From the artist: 44-year-old self-taught poet and abstract artist. Using and integrating artistic expression to heal and cope with CPTSD, OCD, BPD, DID, NDE survivor and ADHD. Inspirational sources are Einstein and Leonard-Quantum theory, mechanics and philosophy. Pro Hart-abstract artist expression, Rumi-poetry, Sadhguru-Addiction, Eckhart Tolle-Being and Ned Kelly-bravery.

Liz – Emerging (19 & over).  “Suns Splendour”.

Medium: Water colours – acrylic on canvas

Description: I remember the day I painted this back in 2008, it was a beautiful morning where I woke up feeling happy. My day was clear of any work which was unusual. I began painting and wanted to capture feelings – the sun rays represented happiness and brightness, the clouds mixed feelings that we all have. I bought yellow paint that was luminous which glowed in the dark. At the time my 19 year old son loved it and has displayed it in his room and now his loungeroom at his house. Many friends of mine and his have commented that it is a spectacular piece, I am very proud of it and pleased to share with others.

From the artist: I have always had an artistic flair, enjoying interior decoration for mine and friends houses. I began painting when I was 12 years old, in 1973. I have been happy not to turn professional, for me it brings peace and creativity. Having the ability to think deeply and put that on canvas is amazing. Painting really does take me to another place and lets me tell a story with a paint brush. I would like to paint more often but due to physical disabilities and medical treatments unfortunately limits my time in something I love.

Luke – Emerging (19 & over).  “Daughters Christmas Present”.

Medium: Pencil on a canvas, then painted over with acrylic paint.

Description:  Daughter asked me to make something for christmas, I asked if she had something in mind, she said make me something David bowie, well that was confusing so I thought she liked weird stuff so I had an idea to make this.

From the artist: I like making things and drawing pictures, usually of superheros.

Steven – Emerging (19 & over). “Thankful we are all one”.

Medium: Aerosol paints and acrylic paint markers.

Description: Both Wondakka and Unity have been there for me when I had noone else. I wanted to say thankful to both providers through artistic expression whilst also showing we are all one. Gratitude and inclusivity on the one colourful rectangle.

From the artist: I am a 41 year old male who has lived with a diagnosis of bipolar, 10 years ago. I want to do my part of breaking the stigma of mental illness by being honest about myself. I enjoy artistry primarily using aerosol paint and markers. I enjoy taking photos of pink and purple hue sunrises and sunsets. I feel no matter how dark the world is being portrayed that there still exists natural beauty, it just takes one to truly focus their eyes to it.

Tay – Emerging (19 & over). “New girl in a new space”.

Medium: art paper, texta, crayons

Description: A girl who is shy and she is feeling brave because she is moving into a new space, a new home. Then she fell in love with another shy girl. The other shy girl asked for help to grow and be independent too. She said ‘sure I can help you’ to be brave. I know that it is hard, but you can do it. I was scared, but now my world is filled with colour and brightness because I am safe and free in my space. I couldn’t see colour before, but now I feel happier with rainbows around me.

From the artist: I am 21 years old from Adelaide. My art represents different lifestyles, cultures and identities. I am different and it’s ok to be different. Be yourself no matter what.

Vera – Emerging (19 & over). “Bush Tomatoes”.

Medium: Acrylic on Canvas

Description: When I was a young girl I picked bush tomatoes with my family on the side roads at Alicurung NT.

From the artist: My name is Vera Butcher. I am a 48 year old Aboriginal Woman. Born on Avon Downs Station at Camooweal near the Qld & NT border.

Vicki – Emerging (19 & over). “Inks in Bloom”.

Medium: Alcohol Inks on Yupo Paper and Posco Pen.

Description: This artwork was created, 6 weeks after I first heard about alcohol inks. When a friend mentioned it to me at a creative writing group I attend, I had to find out more about it. I googled it and have been addicted ever since. I bought some basic inks and supplies and have immersed myself every spare moment since. It is so mesmerising to watch the inks and alcohol bloom and challenging to learn techniques.,

From the artist: I am the eldest of three children, and I was born in Goodwood SA; during World War II.

Cate – General Entry (19 & over). “Swimming with whales”.

Medium: Watercolour and pen on canvas

Description: Swimming with whales is a happy painting. Mom brought me an easel as a child and I started painting. I fell in love. Watercolours have been my favourite to work with. I was a senior art director at HDM mattiingly when I was in my 20’s. I have done painting ever since!

From the artist: Mom brought me an easel as a child and I started painting. I fell in love. Watercolours have been my favourite to work with. I was a senior art director at HDM mattiingly when I was in my 20’s. I have done painting ever since!

Samantha – General Entry (19 & over). “Abandonment issues 1”.

Medium: Children’s crayons and a3 paper

Description: SA

From the artist: This picture is a self-reflection of what I felt as a child, I suffered trauma and abandonment as a child, it took quite a bit to draw my feelings of the past and I only had crayons to do so, here it is finally comfortable to put it out there to the world and meaning so much more to get it out and seen as I found out today my father passed away earlier this month. I know he would want me to take the chance and put my art out there as a pose to keeping my drawings to myself.

Jungle – General Entry (19 & over).  “Abstract Shon Number 9”.

Medium: Acrylic on linen

Description: This painting is about pure colour and shape, creating conversation and allowing your eyes to dance around the picture. It is taken to the maximum level, artistically speaking.

From the artist: I knew that art was going to play a huge part in my life from an early age. In 1978 I started to draw after a life changing event, later in 1992 I started to develop my skills in painting. I would estimate I have created over 30000 pieces of artwork to date. My home is an art gallery as well as my home and is open to the public for their enjoyment. The whole house is an art experience dedicated to love, hope and spirit.

Marie – General Entry (19 & over). “The Storyteller”.

Medium: acrylic paint

Description: I studied the textured markings in the wood, then painted the story it was narrating to me. The light and shade in its contours, the blending of colours and textures rangeing from seascape, to mineral rich soil, green hills and desert, and so on, make up the story. The viewer just has to interpret the story they see.

From the artist: I am an Aboriginal (Wemba Wemba/Gunditjmara/Wergaia) artist who was born at and lives in Bordertown, S.A. I have been involved in various areas of the arts for more than 30 years. Dance, Acting, Movement Directing, Assistant Director/Choreographer on projects and Director/Script Writer on a theatre production, Make-up Artistry. In the past 10 years I have also been involved in digital storytelling, time lapse photography, light painting and stencil light painting. I was also involved in a short documentary about my Mum, Jessie Clarke. This project is currently ongoing. Writing stories and poetry are also an interest of mine.

Olive – General Entry (19 & over). “Walking the Dogs”.

Medium: Acrylic paint

Description: This picture is of my husband walking our dogs. I was inspired by the beautiful day and the lighting and have painted this in an expressionist style.

From the artist: I have been painting for roughly 30 years and I am 79 years old. I took up painting when my sons left home and love doing it. Acrylics are my favourite medium to use when painting.

Ron – General Entry (19 & over). “Woodside”.

Medium: Acrylic painting.

Description: I was travelling to Woodside where I was taking photos along the way and when I saw this image, I really resonated with it as it felt peaceful. I painted this artwork from the image I had taken.

From the artist: I have been drawing and painting since I was 6 years old. I have commissioned art pieces for people and have also sold some of the work I have done. I have won prizes in art exhibitions; notably a 1st and 2nd prize at the Marion Art Centre.

Corey – Emerging (19 & over). “Corey mckimmie”.

Medium: On paper

Description: SA

From the artist:

Tina – Emerging (19 & over). “Prey on the Predator”.

Medium: DSLR photography

Description: Nature’s precious little creatures doing their survival thing. Sometimes the unexpected happens and the predator becomes the prey! Photographing macro and ultra macro life is something I do as a creative outlet so capturing moments like these are an absolute highlight.

From the artist: I grew up in the Adelaide hills, spending a big part of my childhood living or staying at my Grandparent’s farm. I have always had a strong connection with nature and it’s little creatures so photographing them reminds me how precious life is. All of it!!

Annette – General Entry (19 & over). “Autumn Rain: Mesmerised In The Stillness Of Beauty”.

Medium: Photography

Description: Photo captured by Annette at Kabloom Festival of Flowers,Silvan Victoria. Camera, Nikon p900

From the artist: My name is Annette I’m a self-taught in artist. I have been capturing moments in time and memories for most of my life, starting out in early childhood with my late mothers “Box brownie” camera. Through personal experience, I believe photography to be a powerful healing tool. It has been my companion in difficult times, allowing me to let go of outside distractions and be mindful and in the moment. I feel capturing spontaneous moments and conveying them through photography is a magical experience to be shared.

Susan – General Entry (19 & over). “Waterlily”.

Medium: nil

Description: I took this photo at Christmas in 2021, which is of a waterlily gift that my father got for me-he passed away a few months later.

From the artist: I am not a professional photographer but enjoy taking photos of anything that inspires me and is worth remembering.

For a list of key 2023 CHAARTS dates, please click on the link below.

Key Dates | CHARTS Awards