Outdoor art sparks controversy and conversation

Two gentlemen who reside at Feros Village Wommin Bay walking around the gardens and art installations are overheard saying: “I don’t like them, but I’m glad we have them”, and “yes it gives us something different to talk about and have a friendly argument”.

The outdoor artworks by local artist Tim Fry are a first for Feros Care. The organisation takes pride in constantly challenging the stereotypes around ageing, and is always looking for quirky ways to spark a conversation.

“We believe that life should not stop when you move into our Village. Just because you may not be able to get into the ‘outside’ world as often as you’d like, it doesn’t mean we can’t bring it to you,” says Feros Care director of residential and clinical services Sarah Marciano.

“We approached local artist Tim Fry to use our extensive gardens as a backdrop and exhibition space for his sculptures and he jumped at the idea, and installed his power pole series ‘Switch’,” Ms Marciano explains.

“Art provides our residents with a chance to reminisce about the art they’ve seen in their younger days at galleries. It also inspires them to get more exercise as they walk around the seven pieces made of packing pallets and ceramics that are spread around the gardens.

“I’ve seen more residents out and about and stopping to look and ponder the meaning of the pieces. They make it a regular expedition,” says Ms Marciano.

Long-term resident Peggy Abbott gave the sculptures her tick of approval and said: “I think they are a great idea. At first I was puzzled but on a second viewing I think the sculptures are fantastic. They add interest to the Village and something to talk about.”

For artist Tim Fry the opportunity to share his art with the residents of Feros Care's Wommin Bay village was a privilege.

He says it is important that society demonstrates that older people are valued and respected. These are the people who have paved the way and made life possible for younger generations.

According to Mr Fry, the fact that residents all responded to his artwork in different ways is just like the community at large.

“Bringing art to Feros is a chance to provide inspiration and insight about how different people view the world. I hope that the sculptures are providing some food for thought and the residents are enjoying a change of scenery,” he says.

Mr Fry developed his power pole series, made out of recycled pallets, ceramic and post-consumer cardboard, to explore power poles as symbols of electricity production and its link to climate change. Switch refers to the need to move away from fossil fuel to renewable energy production.

Following a successful exhibition at Feros Village Wommin Bay in Kingscliff, the artworks are now on show and ready for debate and discussion at Feros Village Byron Bay.