Inspired by their "essential beauty", Canberra Times cartoonist David Pope has created two new images to support bushfire affected communities.
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The new drawings, depicting Rosedale and Batlow, are the latest additions to the "South Coast Is Calling" series. They will appear as full page posters in tomorrow's and Monday's editions.
The series, which has featured in a major advertising campaign across ACM mastheads to support regional tourism and recovery, has also so far raised $45,000 directly for south coast recovery efforts.
Pope's images are inspired by vintage travel posters, and have previously depicted towns such as Batemans Bay, Narooma, Mogo and Nelligen. Because supporting these towns through tourism is not possible due to COVID-19 restrictions, Pope hopes people bring their images into their homes.
"These communities have gone through incredible trauma and are facing really long term challenge to recover from the fires," he said.
"The essential beauty of the places remains."
"I didn't want images that glossed over the fires, but recognised what they have gone through. Some are surreal, in some some you can see evidence of the fires."
More than 7000 items have been sold so far via printing partner, Redbubble. All profits have been donated to the Foundation for Rural & Regional Recovery. That amount currently stands at about $35,000.
Redbubble chief executive Martin Hosking said the company would contribute an extra $10,000.
"As an original Canberran (born in Canberra before the Lake was there), I was overjoyed Redbubble could assist David Pope to realise his ambition of helping the victims of the bushfire through art," Mr Hosking said.
"When I saw the stunning images he created, of places I know so well, I knew we had to support his efforts ... we are deeply honored to have been able to help."
Foundation for Rural & Regional Recovery chief executive Natalie Egleton said the funds raised from the sale of the posters would have a direct impact on the recovery of fire-affected communities.
Project requests have been submitted to support youth programs, mental health support, community infrastructure and even sporting equipment.
"The funds from these posters could go toward any of these kinds of projects, or any others that local leaders identify as critical to their community's recovery," Ms Egleton said.
Pope visited a number of fire affected towns during the bushfires to create his series.
"[Rosedale] was cordoned off. People were sifting through their remains of their houses, and it didn't seem appropriate to be around with the camera at that point.
"But I had a chance to visit before the lockdown in March."
While not on the South Coast, Pope was drawn to create an image of Batlow, in the NSW high country.
"I haven't been able to visit [Batlow] so its more of a symbolic one. I hope they don't mind."
To purchase any of the South Coast is Calling artworks, visit redbubble.com/people/coastiscalling/shop