12 | T HE B A R OSSA M AG
Joel finds
purpose in
repurposed
artwork
WORDS BY HEIDI HELBIG
PHOTOGRAPHY BY PETE THORNTON
The tools of Joel Zimmermann’s trade are not his
arc welder and recycled scrap metal, but a childlike
imagination and carefree spirit.
The Tanunda sculptor transforms materials considered
“useless and unwanted” into objects of unexpected
beauty – a throwback to his childhood in the Murray
Mallee.
“Growing up on a farm in the bush as kids was fantastic;
I was always messing around with junk, building things,”
says the 23-year-old, adding with a grin: “I guess you’d
say I’m doing exactly what I did back then.”
Also a talented musician and songwriter, his decision
to become an artist after finishing Year 12 was quickly
validated with peer acclaim, a prestigious SALA award
and the opportunity to exhibit during Prince Charles
and Camilla’s royal visit to the Barossa in 2015.
“I don’t think I could ever have a nine-to-five job,”
says Joel. “I don’t like being locked into things – I love
freedom.”
He finds that freedom in the sculpting process, which is
both creative and conforming.
“Before I start a piece I will have very specific
measurements, but because of the different items that
are used I never completely know what the finished
piece will look like, and no two pieces will ever be the
same,” Joel says.
“I’m about to begin a project where a client has an
idea in mind but there’s not a lot of guidelines; when
you have a lot to play with, it’s then you really become
creative and imagine what you could do.”
His work has evolved from small-scale pieces in high
school to life-size Clydesdale horses, jaguars and lions.
“Back then I made a lot of smaller pieces very much
focused on repurposing items,” Joel says.
“I never completely know what the finished
piece will look like, and no two pieces
will ever be the same. When you have a lot
to play with, it’s then you really become
creative and imagine what you could do.”
- Joel Zimmermann