interview: Sol Contardo

Sol Contardo is artist-in-residence at Gallery Lane Cove, working as a visual artist and ceramicist. Having spent time living in Chile, Mexico, the UK and France, Sol and her family call Riverview and Lane Cove home. Here she talks to TVO about her life and the inspiration for her “Te Hoseken Harw, The Edge of the World” exhibition.

You moved to Lane Cove seven years after living in Chile. Can you tell us what brought you here?

My husband was asked to move here to cover Asia Pacific and Latin America for his work. We arrived and instantly fell in love with the Lane Cove area and Sydney in general. Schools have always been important for us and the area offered fantastic options for our four kids.

Your childhood saw you move 14 times to different countries around the world – and the globe-trotting continued into adult life. Have you enjoyed it and how has that experience shaped your outlook?

I feel blessed to have actively participated in the daily life and culture of so many diverse places and peoples. Travelling as a tourist is great, but to really know a place you need to live and breathe the local communities. Each place has contributed to my formation, and we wanted to give this experience to our kids too.

How did your kids fare switching between a life in Santiago and Sydney? And how do the two cities compare in terms of raising a family?

It’s harder for the kids leaving family and friends, but the Lane Cove community and their schools have been very welcoming. Both cities have the offerings and challenges of any modern metropolis, and with fantastic options for outdoor activities. Skiing at our doorstep in Santiago and the water and beaches here.

Previously you worked as a photographer. What made you switch to Visual Arts and Ceramics?

More than a switch, I think it was a focus. Working with clay connects me to the Earth, which I feel will resonate with Australians. I now create my visions rather than capture those of others. The two areas definitely compliment each other.

Can you tell us how you landed at Gallery Lane Cove as their artist in residence?

The gallery is a fantastic facility we are very lucky to have. After studying a Diploma of Visual Arts in Ceramics at TAFE I wanted to have a space locally to both work on my own ideas as well as pass on my knowledge for the enjoyment of others. We have increased the range of classes and I feel very lucky to have the chance to participate in this great community project.

Your new exhibition is inspired by the indigenous people, the Selk’nam. What drew you to their story?

There are many aspects that engaged me with this magnificent culture. The pure perseverance of living in the extreme conditions at the southern most tip of the Earth. Being Chilean I was aware of them, but once I started to research, I wanted to know more and help spread their story. The women got the men to do the housework, but you will have to come to the exhibition to hear about that!

How has the story of the Selk’nam inspired your work?

It has been a process; thinking how to share their amazing story whilst being very sensitive to their beliefs and spirituality. I was also fascinated by the body paintings and masks used in their initiation ceremony. My intention was to build pieces that reflect their connection with their beliefs and cosmology as part of their on-Earth existence. I want to help record their history as a family centred community, whose existence can inspire us today.

Have you engaged with the descendants of the Selk’nam, and if so, what was their reaction to your work?

Most definitely. It was very important for me that the exhibition was respectful and sensitive to their spirits, and how the initiation ceremony and its pieces are portrayed and displayed today. They have been very encouraging and will in some way be “present” at the exhibition. I have had regular Zoom calls with their representative and they have been very complimentary about the pieces.

Works inspired by the Selk’nam by Sol Contardo

Do you find Australia inspirational as an artist? And is there anything in particular that sparks your imagination?

Absolutely. The sheer vastness and natural beauty is a feast of inspiration. My batteries get recharged in particular with the beach and ocean, of which there are plenty locally. I find the ceramics community to be both engaging and supportive of each other. I also find people here aware and appreciative of the effort and energy that goes into producing art.

You teach Ceramics at Gallery Lane Cove. Can you tell us about the course/s you offer?

Due to family schedules, my teaching time has been focused on weekdays and Saturday daytime classes for both kids and adults of all ages. This covers both work on the wheel and hand building from beginner onwards. I very much encourage everyone to give it a go. A cup of tea tastes even better out of a mug you made yourself.

Sol’s exhibition, “Te Hoseken Harw, The Edge of the World”, takes place November 5 to December 5 at Gallery Lane Cove.