Adelaide-based multi-disciplinary artist Laura Wills will spend four-weeks on Kangaroo Island as 2021 recipient of the Palace of Production residency.

The residency honours the creative spirit of artist Cath Cantlon, who produced contemporary art and sculpture in her Palace of Production (P.O.P) studio, built behind the home she shared with her partner in Emu Bay, Kangaroo Island.

Laura primarily works across the discipline of drawing in various contexts such as pastel and digital drawing into maps, drawing in installation and projected light drawing for live performances. She is interested in creating works that are communicative in nature and connect us to the environment. Themes Laura explores in her work include investigations of mapping, shelter, the environment, botanical relationships and food security issues.

Country Arts SA Arts and Cultural Leader Merilyn De Nys said Laura was chosen for her articulate proposal and high quality work.
“It was evident Laura has a strong interest in social and environmental themes and whilst in residence will continue her exploration of native and threatened flora and the impact of losing plant species from the landscape,” she said. “This exploration will inform the work she creates on Kangaroo Island.”

Each year the residency provides a contemporary visual artist a desirable opportunity to immerse themselves in artistic exploration, reflection and seeding of new work in a well-equipped artist’s studio within the tranquil, natural surroundings of Kangaroo Island.

A self-contained unit, adjacent to the P.O.P is provided for the four weeks of residency.

Since its inception in 2018, the Palace of Production (POP) residency has given artists Cynthia Schwertsik and Jane Skeer the freedom and inspiration to create a new body of work on pristine Kangaroo Island.