Embers of Empathy Turns Bushfire Debris into Art

Australia's leading artists and Sydney’s George Patterson Y&R are teaming up with Red Cross in 2014 for a landmark project to provide relief and recovery support for people affected by the state’s recent bushfires.

The innovative ‘Embers of Empathy’ project will see prominent Australian artists use charred fragments from houses and land destroyed in the recent Blue Mountains bushfires to create unique artworks that will be auctioned next year to support Red Cross disaster relief and recovery work.

Executive Director for Red Cross in NSW, Di Jay says 'Natural Disasters like the recent bushfires in NSW are a recurring and tragic aspect of life in Australia.

“We hope ‘Embers of Empathy’ will not only provide ongoing help for those recovering from the bushfires, but help ensure Red Cross will always be there to provide relief and recovery support where and whenever disaster strikes.”

Andrew Dowling, GPY&R Group Managing Director says “Our relationship with Red Cross goes back to the 1940s when our founder, George Patterson was an active member of the NSW Red Cross Board.

“We are particularly pleased to be working with Red Cross as they head into their centenary year next year, celebrating 100 years of Red Cross in Australia.”

Prominent artists represented by the Olsen Irwin Gallery have already started the creative process of turning charcoal into art, and the entire 'Embers of Empathy' project will culminate in a star studded art auction in Sydney early next year.”

 

For more information about the ‘Embers of Empathy’ project go to the awesome website and video at embersofempathy.com