Tis Milner-Nichols

Tis Milner-Nichols was funded by the Australia Council's Community Partnerships Section work with Nalin Gamvary to learn Sri Lankan Puppetry

WHO
Tis Milner-Nichols is a South Australian sculptor and installation artist living in the Adelaide Hills. Milner-Nichols operates from the premise that ideas expressed creatively can explore and renew our connections with the world around us. She uses symbols and imagery in her sculpture to go beyond the rational conscious mind into the realm where soul memories reside. To convey her concepts she uses a variety of different materials, with a focus on colour, form and surface decoration. By doing this Milner-Nichols is investigating art as ‘cultural short-hand’ by examining the refinement of cultural practice and story telling through visual art.

WHAT
Tis Milner -Nichols was funded to travel abroad to study the cultural significance of puppets and masks in conveying stories and customs. Milner-Nichols travelled to the Sri Lankan south coast to be mentored by the acclaimed Nalin Gamvary - the last traditional puppeteer. Milner-Nichols also observed traditional dance and puppetry performances as well as had the opportunity to visit significant cultural sites and conduct workshops in schools. Milner-Nichols explored the avenues that masks and puppets offer to cultivate and transmit stories and customs. On return to Australia Milner-Nichols gladly shared her findings through workshops and presentations in a range of forums.

WHERE
Ambalangoda, Southern Province, Sri Lanka

WHEN
July / August 2008

WHY
The motivation for Milner-Nichols was the desire to be submerged in a new cultural surround, and creating a channel for cross cultural dialogue, skill swapping and the establishment of a solid partnership, as well as the preservation of a diminishing art form.
The opportunity also aided in the development of a presentation formulated by Milner Nichols which will be used to showcase and support her experiences as well as share her new knowledge with other Australian artists upon her return.

HOW
Milner-Nichols observed, investigated and generated networks as well as having the opportunity to explore the cultural capital in the area.
The Sri Lankan host organisation provided in kind support to Miner Nichols in the way of resources including, time, paints, tools as well as the use of a workshop.
During July and August of 2008 Milner-Nichols was mentored by the renowned Sri Lankan puppeteers –Nalin Gamvary, she was trained in the techniques of manipulating half human scale wooden marionettes, Milner-Nichols participated in many physical sessions and workshops with Gamvary that were interspersed with discussion and analysing local music, lyrics and customs.

This Case Study was originally produced by the Australia Council's Community Partnership Section as documentation of its Professional Development Initiative.
The Australia Council for the Arts is the Australian Government’s arts funding and advisory body.
It supports and promotes excellence in the arts and community engagement with them. www.australiacouncil.gov.au

Download the PDF of this Case Study here.