Recently Karl has been lucky to be working closer to home. In 2019
he will install a public work at Cape Jervis. The sculptural piece will
act as a reminder of the treacherous waters around the cape, with
that stretch of coastline being littered with shipwrecks. The skeleton
of a hull made of steel will be erected to create both a gateway and a
shelter. It will also serve as a place of reflection. Karl was selected as
an artist but also as a member of the community and worked through
a lengthy process to embody the maritime nature of the coastline
and its harshness. Last year he also won a public art competition
for a Mainstreet Gateway art installation at Victor Harbor. ‘Elemental’
will add ‘vivid colour and connection to the core of the Victor Harbor
region. The swirling forms will provide interpretations including water,
birds, earth, air, plants and animals.’
Again, Karl has done due diligence on trying to create a piece that, in
a way, peels back the layers of the place. The planned work attempts
to encapsulate the natural beauty of the region that is anchored in a
geological past formed by the striking Granite Island, the Bluff and
spectacular Waitpinga cliffs.
Working on a large scale piece in a community space invites a feeling
of ownership by the general public. Karl has shown great versatility,
sensitivity and care in creating his work. His ability to respond to the
unique nature of each site is honourable.Top: ’Tidal’ 2018 – created for the theme ‘Landfall’ for the Lorne Sculpture Biennial. Bottom left: ’Transition’ 2019 – created for the Heysen Sculpture Biennial.
Bottom right: Artist/designer – Karl Meyer.