The Voice: Issue #3, July 2020

the creative issue | june 2020 | ISSUE NO. 3

Editor’s Voice EVER A BLANK CANVAS I don’t have many early memories. I can thank sleeplessness for that. Or maybe there’s another reason that I’ve forgotten. Anyway, most of the earliest memories I have all involve creating something. I had a passion for weaving words into tapestries while I was still using my index finger to put the spaces between them.

My first “real” poem was a limerick about a wizard caught in a blizzard I wrote when I was ten. Add to that the short story about a living hailstone that I managed to get published that same year, and as far as I was concerned I was the next Shakespeare just waiting to be recognised by the world at large.

That was until I realised the book I was published in (which, to be fair, was a book of primary school students’ creative works) had a designated number one, first place, best piece of writing as chosen by a panel of judges.

It was then I experienced the other half of creativity, the Yin to its Yang - creative jealousy and its siblings, spite and surrender. I definitely remember thinking that my own work was leagues ahead of those pretenders who made the podium, whose stories were definitely written by their parents and not them. An incredible act of pride, I know, but I was only ten years old. To balance it out (and give Hegel another point, I guess) I was gripped by imposter syndrome for the rest of my school life, leaving

me certain that anything I could create should be hidden from sight if allowed to exist at all.

I like to think I have actually accrued some wisdom since then. I actually found a copy of that book in a friend’s house last year. His sister happened to be published in it as well, and unlike me, they never got around to burying the book in shame in the years that followed. My reaction surprised even myself, as I went looking for my own work to show to those around me. It became an opportunity to see how far I had come.

I still doubt myself, and many of my creations stay brain-locked where they are safe from the deadly afflictions of permanence and judgement they would suffer if put to paper. But I now know that that negativity is a pest that should and can be ignored, because not only does it stifle your own creative spirit, it poisons how you view other people’s creation.

I’m going to give the stage to some other people now. Some come from the same fields of creation that I do, and some have talents that I have never been able to figure out. I’m genuinely astounded by some of the things I turned up in my search. I hope you appreciate their work as much as I do.

DON’T HIDE YOUR VISION Chris

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photo competition

10-14

featured art

16-17

the road

20-21

real talk: lecturer edition

22-27

poetry

02

editor’s voice

04-05

contributors

06

CONTACT INFORMATION

07

PHOTO COMPETITION

08-09

THE GOOD NEWS!

10-15

featured art

16-17

the road

18-19

WO//MAN

ashley cotter

lynnette lounsbury & Carolyn rickett

20-21

real talk

22-27

poetry

28-29

#avondalexp

30-31

cheat sheet

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CON TRIB UTORS

ASSISTANT EDITOR SALLY-MAE HERFORD

EDITOR CHRIS MCCLELLAND

Secondary Education student, untalented art enthusiast, ineffective procrastination combatant. Ask me about my mild addiction to video essays.

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Sally-Mae is a Secondary Education student who really just wants to be sleeping in and complaining about how she didn’t get enough sleep. As well as having seen every movie ever made, Sally-Mae loves looking out car windows pretending she’s in a music video.

GRAPHIC DESIGNER ASHLEY COTTER

Ashley is a Bachelor of Arts student studying Communication and Marketing. She runs off of coffee and avocado toast and can be found getting distracted mid-sentence.

SAM WHITE

My name is Sam , I’m studying a Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Communication. I have a passion for writing and my dream is to be a published author.

thanks & no thanks // thanks people who listen warm blankets soothing music // no thanks late-semester anxieties poorly timed technical difficulties inconsistent motivation

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get in contact Security:

Phone: (02) 4980 2333

Email: scott.hill@avondale.edu.au College Church

Phone: (02) 4980 2272

Email: collegechurch@avondale.edu.au

Or message the College Church Facebook Page.

College Counsellors: Phone: 0403478994

Email: counsellingclinic@avondale.edu.au Our counsellors offer confidential counselling to students experiencing a range of academic, mental health and personal concerns.

pages to like The Voice College Church ASL Student Association Avondale University College SALT Avondale Cafe Rejuve

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>>>

creative competition

Congratulations to the winners of our last competition, @ happylilsoph and @rachella. thomo.777!

This time, we want to see what you can create during the break.

No matter what you create, whether it is art, writing, music, or anything else, message it to the Voice’s Facebook page. Our favourite will win a $20 gift card of their choice. Let’s see what you can make!

message our fb: The voiceavondale 07

The Good News!

Current situations have us all feeling hopeless and blue. However, there is so much positivity lingering amongst all of the chaos and negativity. Hopefully, these current events will give you a reason to smile.

by sam white

COVID-19 Restrictions Slowly Lifted Restrictions are finally lifting as we have seen the number of coronavirus cases decreasing day by day. In NSW, restaurants, cafes and some retail stores are beginning to open their doors to patrons after weeks of inactivity. Playgrounds and national parks are now available for use and up to 5 visitors are allowed in one household. Slowly but surely, life is getting back to normal. Thank you to the hard work of essential workers on the front line!

Civilian Saves A Whale Calf Trapped In Shark Net A whale calf was caught in shark nets off the coast of Burleigh Beach in Queensland.

Onlookers were shocked to see a man get into his tinny and race to the rescue while officials were nowhere to be seen. The man successfully freed the whale but was lectured by officials on their arrival. Nonetheless, witnesses recalled it as quick-thinking and heroic. The man was threatened with hefty fines, however they were dismissed and charges were avoided

Manchester Bombing Survivor Fighting To Walk Again Martin Hibbert survived a suicide bombing that occurred during an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester Arena 3 years ago. Martin suffered spinal cord injuries that have rendered him paralysed from the waist down. Against all odds, Martin is starting to show progress in regaining his mobility and hopes to walk down the red carpet with his new friend Chris Hemsworth for the 2021 Thor 4 premiere.

WWII Veteran Knighted For His $40M Fundraiser WWII veteran Captain Thomas Moore has been officially knighted by the Queen of England for his honourable efforts at raising money for healthcare workers fighting against coronavirus. Moore aimed to raise $1000 by walking 100 laps around his garden, but the publicity he attracted meant he managed to raise $40 million. Moore has been promoted from captain to honorary colonel, a very well deserved achievement.

RSPCA Reports Increased Inquiries in Pet Fostering The RSPCA has seen an increase in interest for pet fostering, believed to be due to lockdown restrictions. Many animals, especially puppies, are being given homes which keeps them out of pounds and prevents them from being put down. Families are seeking out fostering pets as a way to bring joy into their households while also giving a pet a loving home.

If you happen to hear some good news or have some good news happen to you or someone close to you, we’d love to hear it! Get in touch with Chris McClelland on Facebook and we’ll be happy to share it with our readers in the next issue.

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featuredart featuredart featuredart featuredart featuredart featuredart featuredart featuredart

above & right by behtany herford 10

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above: indiana ford Top Right: Levi Moir Bottom Right: Jenaya Lewis

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top & Right: Teri Spero

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the road a chat with ashley cotter about her short film

What is your film?

My film is called “The Road” and is an attempt to capture what I find captivating and enthralling about road trips. I say “attempt” because this is the first video I’ve ever made (haven’t even made a TikTok so yolo).

How did you make it?

I took a Film and Video class taught by Jim and Lynnette Lounsbury as part of my Communication course. They essentially took us through the technicalities of making a film (scriptwriting, scheduling, lighting, etc.) and challenged us to make our own 3-5 minute short film.

But, anyone that knows me knows “processes” aren’t my thing… I just kind of start and panic and start again and panic and eventually something happens! I need to work on this part of myself, haha.

For this assignment in particular, though, I knew I wanted to create something that evoked emotion, specifically a sense of yearning. I was inspired by travel videos and vlogs, as well as some photographers I admire; but mostly I wanted to draw on

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my own experience and feelings from whenever I’m on the road.

Living out of my car and travelling America and Canada for four months in 2018 brought up so many new emotions and gave me a unique perspective on living that I wanted to somehow share! So, during mid-semester break 2019, I took a road trip up to Byron Bay and the Gold Coast to see what I could capture. One of the most helpful things I did for myself was to take notes along the way, which ended up forming the final voiceover.

How do you feel about the result? Did it live up to your vision, did it deviate from it?

I think most artists can relate with the final product completely differing from the initial vision!

Now that I’ve done this film, I can think of a thousand ways to improve and things to do differently next time. The biggest thing I learned was to shoot more!

I ended up using tons of footage I wasn’t initially excited about and throwing out things I had originally envisioned.

I’ve also seen videos that people

have shot on iPhones that I think convey the emotions I was going for way more than “The Road” ended up doing. It’s humbling and also inspires me to do better next time.

Do you have anything to say to other student creatives?

Try and fail a lot! In our digital age we see so much of people’s final product and not their process.

It takes time to get to a place creatively that you’re happy with.

Enjoy the process of creating and don’t focus so much on the end result - you’ll have more fun and learn a lot along the way!

Watch the film on youtube at: https://youtu.be/vYTzpLo6dCo

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WO/ Working definitely has helped minimise the craziness, but also getting outside, either going for walks or bike rides has really helped.

What’s one iso-tip that really helped you?

Listening to podcasts to pass the time… plug: two of my favourite podcasts are Serial and Unravel.

They are super interesting and binge-worthy.

What was your go-to iso snack?

My go-to iso snacks are Twisties and two-minute noodles. (not eaten together, separately) Healthy, I know.

jasmin ringrose

What’s something that you learnt throughout the iso experience?

What are you studying here at college?

I am studying a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in international poverty and development studies, minoring in communications.

What were your initial thoughts when iso first started?

My initial thoughts when Iso first started was “wow, this is crazy, never thought that this would happen in my life.”

Where did you spend your isolation?

I have spent isolation at a friend/ fellow student’s house with their family.

What was one thing about iso that you struggled with the most?

I have struggled with the lack of human interaction due to corona restrictions.

What did you do to keep yourself from going crazy in iso?

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To not take the simple things in life for granted, like going on adventures with friends and family, going to the beach, going out for brunch or dinner, weddings, parties etc.

What’s something positive that you’ve seen come out of iso?My

go-to iso snacks are Twisties and two-minute noodles. (not eaten together, separately) Healthy, I know.

How are you going to explain iso to your grandkids?

/MAN I’m a first-year, studying Business. .

What were your initial thoughts when iso first started?

I was extremely frustrated considering I’d spent a lot of money to come to Australia in the first place.

Where did you spend your isolation?

I spent iso on campus.

What was one thing about iso that you struggled with the most?

The lack of people being around, also I got tired of Cooranbong pretty quickly.

>>>

What are you studying here at college?

cameron fubler

What did you do to keep yourself from going crazy in iso?

Getting out to do something physically engaging has definitely kept me from going stir-crazy.

What was your go-to iso snack?

Maccas soft serve and the chicken n cheese burger..

What’s something that you learnt throughout the iso experience?

I learnt that Noah and his family had extreme patience and selfcontrol.

What’s something positive that you’ve seen come out of iso?

I’ve made deep and more meaningful connections with the friends I have here.

How are you going to explain iso to your grandkids?

I’m not, I’ll have PTSD.

What are you most excited to do once all the restrictions get lifted?

Just being able to travel and see all the cool places I’ve heard about in Australia; And the gym.

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real talk: chats with What is your creative background?

Lynnette: I am a writer, and I’ve published short stories, poems and two novels (Afterworld, We Ate the Road like Vultures). I’ve worked as a freelance writer for a variety of publications over the years writing for everything from health publications, to travel and bridal magazines. I’ve also worked in film, writing scripts and producing a feature documentary called The Meaning of Vanlife.

Carolyn: My creative background was nurtured in high school where I had a wonderful mentor Althea Halliday who encouraged me to write creative pieces (poetry, drama and prose).

Since that time, I completed university degrees at Avondale, the University of Newcastle and the University of Sydney which provided opportunities to further develop my creative practice. Judith Beveridge, the former poetry editor of Meanjin and recipient of the Prime Minister’s award for poetry, also nurtured my creativity through her teaching, mentoring and collaboration.

When did you first start really pursuing your field? How have you developed since then?

Lynnette: I’ve been writing stories since I could actually put words together, sending off poems and stories to the newspaper when I was in Grade

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2 (they published a couple of things, persistence paid off). I wrote novels in exercise books in high school and passed them around my long-suffering friends to give me feedback. I started writing full time while my kids were very young, and now I write around my work and study. I can’t remember a time in my life where I wasn’t working on some piece of writing.

Carolyn: Creativity has always been a central part of my life and professional practice. When completing post-graduate studies, I pursued publication opportunities in literary journals and anthologies. Since becoming a published poet, I had the privilege of co-editing anthologies with awardwinning writers and poets David Musgrave, Judith Beveridge and Jean Kent. Some of these anthologies include On First Looking, A Way of Happening, and New Leaves Anthology.

What’s something you struggled with and worked hard to figure out?

Lynnette: Imposter syndrome.

I really struggled to promote my first novel because I had the vague, nagging feeling that I didn’t deserve to have it published. I felt almost apologetic about it. Some very generous and kind publishers and writers gave me a lot of advice and encouragement about feeling able to enjoy creative

>>

success. I was a little bit better when my second novel came out – but it is a work in progress.

Carolyn: My own creativity needs to be nurtured, and one of the challenges is to balance the urgent and demanding tasks while still prioritising the need to reflect and create. This is an ongoing part of the creative practice, to be kind to yourself and be realistic about what is possible with the time that is available.

What approach do you have towards teaching people what you have learned?

Lynnette: Encouragement.

I really want people to push themselves to try and persist at creating things. A lot of people seem to have the assumption that it should be easy or they just aren’t good at it. It isn’t easy for anyone. It is hard work and sometimes you love it and sometimes it is like crawling through very thick mud. I also try to be available to anyone who wants help, advice or just a writing partner because I know that having someone to talk to can be the difference between abandoning a project or pushing through.

Carolyn: A key approach my mentors taught me is to value, read and discuss the work of skilled published authors; to immerse myself in the work of

ly n n e t t e & c a r o ly n great writers, and to experiment and find my own voice. I was encouraged in my university studies to appreciate the craft of creative writing, and to acknowledge this requires ongoing engagement and commitment to reading. I find that reading expands consciousness, invites stylish possibilities and inspires innovation, so I hope I encourage others who seek to be writers to first value the experience of reading.

Have you learned anything from teaching others?

Lynnette: I find I come up with new ideas, new skills and new projects every time I teach my writing classes because I do the exercises along with the students and discuss my ideas with them.

The collaborative approach can trigger a fresh approach, open up new ways of writing or telling a story. I am also reminded that everyone (I mean it – EVERY. ONE.) is creative and while you may have to hone the skills to share that creativity, don’t ever imagine that it isn’t there.

Carolyn: After decades of teaching writing, I am constantly learning from others and their creative processes. Sharing writing can be a collaborative space, and I have learned when students put any previous misconceptions they may have about poetry aside, this

form of writing can become a powerful medium for them to communicate their experiences and observations about the world. It has been so rewarding to see their poems published in anthologies with high profile poets over the years and shared with a wider audience.

Do you have any advice for our readers?

Lynnette: Not everything you create has to be a triumph. So much of it is practice and you have to have the early pieces to build on, to learn from and to look back on. But without those practice pieces, you don’t learn those skills that will help you with that eventual masterpiece.

Carolyn: One of my mentors taught me when drafting creative work to not let “perfect be the enemy of good”. They wanted me to learn the value of letting writing flow organically, and then move to the editing process as a different phase to getting initial ideas onto the page (or screen). The other advice my mentors gave me is to actively learn about the craft of writing, to build on intuition with specialised knowledge. One of the key books I was introduced to in my field of creative practice is Mary Oliver’s foundational text A Poetry Handbook. Years on, I still love reading this book, and seeing her theories so beautifully represented in her Pulitzer prizewinning poetry.

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poetry. by you!

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melody You mean more than I should have let you, this is why we must fort-knox our hearts, I’ll leave you there a while longer, in silence. rather you think me indifferent than have you know you are my song.

Calum Entermann

suspended

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supper time

lachlan bilson

I focus on the impermanence, how every joy will falter, how every laugh will fade, how in each great performance a finale must be staged.

How leaves wilt in winter as the weary waste away, how the playgrounds have rusted where the children used to play.

I think of my now hole-filled jeans, oil stained in the rag bin.

Could have beens, would have beens have beens and has beens.

The darkness after sunset, the drought after dew I think of the many, though they’re now just a few.

I remember how a breeze can come to awaken stale airs, how every grand finale needs a man to stack the chairs.

How green leaves grow back, and over graves new children play.

I chuckle thinking of the jeans I picked up the other day.

Tears dry, cries fall to sighs, drought breaks away to rains.

I find a way to stand again although nothing remains.

For impermanence strikes a second stroke, and I’ve learnt to not be bitter, because there’s every chance, any chance things could be better after dinner.

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the transaction

amity bradford

she willed the misshapen moon to rise and shook hands with fog as she passed. payment, finally, in the form of breath trudging through blackness loaded hearts and light hands. fading altogether in the startling evening dawn.

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tomorrow

Caitlyn Jankiewicz

Tomorrow Do not worry about tomorrow.

Although the words have clanged in my ears a thousand times To where they’ve become an empty cliché Rolling around inside my mind And the last twenty-one years of my life Has carved them indelibly on my brain Somehow they got lost, took the wrong vein On the way to my heart Or maybe they just saw the neon flashing sign: Warning – Control freak ahead, And sped off in the opposite direction, only to skid in the rubble of inspiring quotes and cute sayings that dominate my Facebook page.

Do not worry about tomorrow, You say As fear slaps icy red welts across my face, Dizzy, I dangle above the yawning abyss of surrender, Glancing over my shoulder, unable to take the risk of letting go as the pieces of control I’m clinging to with all the strength my cramping muscles can muster crumble in my slippery hands I do worry about tomorrow.

The sparkle of hope that I can let go And fall into Your arms is erased as I remember, when tomorrow arrives at midnight my glass slippers might disappear, because You’re not my fairy god-mother with a magic wand, to make all my fondest wishes come true what if tomorrow forgets? what if this was my last chance to write my own story, Because surrender means handing You the pen And traveling with the ink as it flows into days, At the edge of the future, just white pages of potential, Charting a map only of where I’ve been, not the path ahead Do not worry about tomorrow.

What if You and tomorrow are old friends And even though tomorrow hides her face from me, You and she have known each other Since the future, your knowledge transcends the present and nothing she can bring is new to You all this time, I’ve been trying to analyse the stars with a magnifying glass.

Your love has always surpassed understanding and as I open my empty hands I see yours holding me I know that you’ll be with me Tomorrow

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#avondalexp

keep tagging #avondalexp pics- even if it’s a fav avondale memory or throwback! feel free to direclty send avondale photos you’d like featured to chris mcclelland on fb.

Thanks to Gabby Shaw, Bella Southon, Gemma Chapman, Khalie Charlie, Deanna Patrick, Caleb Haligowski, Casey Quan, Renee Vaovasa, Brad Mistry, Tara Newman, Caitlin Kunz, and Karla Karaoglanis

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Cheat Sheet

Wow, what a semester! Who knew when starting this semester that we would go through so much in just a few weeks? From droughts to bushfires to floods to a worldwide pandemic, this singular year will be significant to recount to our grandkids. It’s safe to say that almost everyone fell into the loving arms of the internet during the pandemic and discovered amazing new ways to communicate with friends, pass the time, learn and share. Here are a few helpful bits and bobs that I discovered and learnt throughout my time in iso.

website Google Sites

Okay, granted this super helpful site was a part of an

Education assignment that I was doing this semester. But regardless, I truly believe that this platform makes you

look super professional. Google Sites basically helps you build your own personalized website for anything you want. Whether it be a way to make your presentations look more modern and exciting, or maybe you need

to add ICT into an assignment, and you can’t think of anything, Google Sites has everything you need. It is easier to use than some other website-creating sites

out there and also has the added bonus of being an

application in the Google-sphere which means it’s easier to share with peers or colleagues.

youtube The New York Times

Yes, everyone’s heard of the New York Times. It’s

probably one of the most famous newspapers in

the world. However, did you know that it had its own

YouTube channel? The New York Times is an easy way to keep up with worldly news, stay updated in journalistic investigations, see what’s going on in pop culture,

explore a wide variety of lesser-known stories, view

opinion pieces and many more intriguing new stories

that will keep you engaged and up to date with what’s going on in the world today.

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MOVIES Eagle vs Shark Who isn’t a Taika Waititi fan these days? The kiwi legend is not only a fantastic film director but a comedic genius.

Waititi’s amazing directorial skill of creating comedy through tragedy makes him a true film artist. Before his masterpieces, Boy, Hunt for the Wilderpeople and his most recent film Jojo Rabbit, there was one movie that had to pave the way. Eagle vs Shark is one of his first films and although it does have that ‘indie low budget’ vibe, it’s still hilarious, awkward and dang heart-warming.

apps TikTok

This app is hardly a suggestion for some people. Since

its launch in 2016, Tik Tok has slowly started to rise in its

domination as the most downloaded. Its insane popularity has skyrocketed over the last two years and has gradually

taken the place of the once-loved app Vine. RIP. Users will attest to its addictive nature; I have spent well over three hours on it in one sitting. The app has developed into a diverse social media experience not only featuring the

once cliched dances and lip-sync videos, but educational, artistic, musical experiences as well.

music Lo Fi | Hip Hop / Chillhop (Relaxing & Chill Vibes) / Low-Fi Music, LowFi Jazzhop & Chilled Beats

This recommendation is definitely a mouthful; however, on my constant hunt for lyric-less playlists that will keep

me focused on what’s important, I came across this crazy playlist. Don’t let the lengthiness of the title deter you from experiencing 39 hours and 15 minutes worth of study vibe perfection. The chill beats, paired with the

perfect noise-cancelling headphones, will help propel

you into a state of complete concentration and shut out all worldly distractions.

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