Description

Extended Data

DAAO URL

https://www.daao.org.au/bio/selma-fida

Birth Place

Sydney, NSW, Australia

Biography

Selma Fida is a Sydney-based ceramic artist who primarily works in public art, collaborating with local communities. Born in 1947, Fida long had an interest in clay as a medium, however, it was not until she left her corporate life as a purchasing manager for a chemical company that her passion for ceramics shifted from a hobby to become central to her life. After studying part-time for three years, in 1996 Fida completed a Certificate in Ceramics at Liverpool TAFE. She then furthered her education, gaining a Diploma in Ceramics in 1999 from Campbelltown TAFE, which then enabled her to found a workshop at the Casula Powerhouse for young and upcoming artists struggling to support themselves. The workshop at the Clayhouse, as it was known, provided a place for the students to pursue their art. Fida continued to work with disadvantaged groups, including 'Youth off the Street’ and 'Frans’ (a teenage independence program for young people with a disability) and her work reflects this celebration of a strong sense of community. Fida draws on a range of subject matter for her work, including ideas conceived of by the community in whose locale the work is situated. Her first public work, a mural at Sandy Point Community Centre, between Liverpool and Sutherland in south-west Sydney (completed in 2000) exemplifies the importance of the local community in Fida’s subject matter and practice. Through the lucky coincidence of having a friend in Sandy Point, Fida was able to access an astonishing 97% of the community, each contributing one design per block of land occupied, which Fida then painted onto handmade tiles to create a mosaic mural. It was the success of this experience that gave her the confidence to collaborate with community groups on other large scale projects. The use of mosaics is prevalent throughout Fida’s work and she has refined her technique with each project. Working in public art also presents particular challenges in her practice that must be overcome, especially the risk of vandalism. Convinced that a sense of local ownership can mitigate against wanton damage, Fida uses her ceramics and people skills to help forge new connections between individuals and the community in order to create works that are valued by all. While much of Fida’s work is developed with and for particular communities, she also enjoys working closely with other artists, including Natalie Valiente and Annette Tzavaras. She is involved in the South Western Artist Network (SWAN) which meets once a month and put on collaborative installations and performances. An example of a SWAN project is the 2009 'Art Manoeuvre: Stir Fry’ which aims “to foster a fusion of cultures, colours and fragrances” (SWAN website). Fida’s contribution, Stir Fry Noodle Bowl , featured 210 white porcelain bowls stacked delicately in a pyramid. The installation was situated outside the Casula Powerhouse, a backdrop to the sound and performance art by other SWAN members. Fida describes the process of her 'private’ works as being totally different from that of her public projects, providing a “shift in consciousness” that is almost therapeutic. Yet both scales of activities offer a process of making and creating that is often equally or more important than the final aesthetic outcome; the process also allows participants time to get away from everyday life and forget life’s problems. It is this feeling that Fida continues to spread in her workshops, encouraging people to “express their feelings through art and learn new skills to improve their wellbeing in general.” (Fida 2009, pers. comm.) Fida’s work demonstrates both a commitment to ceramics as an art form, and to the opportunities the medium provides artists who want to engage with a wide cross section of the community. Writers: Marston, PhilippaDe Lorenzo, Catherine Date written: 2009 Last updated: 2009

Born

b. 1947

Summary

Ceramic artist who works with local communities in south west Sydney on mosaic projects. Fida is part of the South Western Artist Network (SWAN) collective.

Gender

Female

Died

None listed

Age at death

None listed