Isolation beetles see creativity fly

Story: Gayel Airs. 
Artwork: Kym Latter, Isolation Beetles, 2020, recycled materials.

Lockdown might have been tedious but it was also a wellspring for creativity.

With our days spent at home sheltering ourselves from the spread of the virus, many of us turned our efforts to tasks and activities we often had little time to do when everyday life is so busy. 

For Fraser Coast artist Kym Latter, utilising her passion for creating art from reclaimed materials, this moment in the world’s history was an opportunity to create, connect and share pieces of art with the creation of her Isolation Beetle Project.

"RADF allowed me to create a positive community that encourages creativity, recycling and collaboration amongst people living in the unique shared experience of being in lock-down," Kym said. 

It united people isolated due to COVID-19; regardless of their age, gender, race, location or creative ability. 

Simply, Kym challenged her Facebook followers to create a different beetle each day for one month, utilising prompts that she had set. Wherever possible participants were required to use recycled and repurposed materials eg the cardboard from a toilet roll, sticks, bubble wrap, cardboard from cereal packets etc.

With over 500 followers jumping onto the challenge, the group quickly become a space to connect with other like-minded people all over the world. 

Applying for a Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) grant allowed Kym to exhibit her Isolation Beetles at Gatakers Art Space. Whilst she affectionately chose not to sell any, the quirky works were received well by the public. Without the RADF funding, this wonderful artistic concept that reflected not just great art, but also human resilience through creativity would not have been possible.

The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Fraser Coast Regional Council.
Find out more about RADF funding opportunities on our RADF page.