By Joel Adler and Aunty Nancy
On Joel Adler’s first tour of Wayside Chapel, the industrial designer met Aunty Nancy Long, Wayside Chapel Cultural Activity Worker and proud South Australian Ngarrindjeri, Nunga Woman. Over kitchen prep for mob lunches in the Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Joel saw first-hand the transformative work that Aunty Nancy and the team do at Wayside.
“I wanted to work with Aunty on this project, not only to include a First Nations persons perspective, but also to collaborate with someone who has a direct connection and love for Wayside,” explains Joel.
After sharing his initial ideas, including the geometrics of dragonfly wings and a mounted sculpture with a sky backdrop, Aunty Nancy responded with sketches and ideas on colours and materials.
“The veins of the dragonfly wings inspired me, because it’s about connection. At Wayside, we’re a big family and we don’t judge anybody who walks through the door,” says Aunty Nancy.
“The angel wings represent those who have passed, flying on to the next journey.”
When a gift is received, the person will be remembered with a feather engraved with their name. Their family and friends will be invited to celebrate their life and their special contribution to Wayside.
“The work is not complete yet. It was an important part that the sculpture grows over time. So that’s why there’s a lot of empty space in the work and I’m hoping in 20 years’ time, we’ll come back and
see it filled with names,” says Joel.
