Pictures: MOLLY TAYLOR
RESEARCHING Mount Gambier’s history is on artist Sadiki Kamundsle’s to-do list to expand on his discovered talent of limestone carving.
Mr Kamundsle’s passion for the natural resource started when he moved to the Limestone Coast in 2015 after 10 years in a Zambian refugee camp and was welcomed to the Mount Gambier Men’s Shed without hesitation.
Mr Kamundsle said the men’s shed helped him learn to carve limestone sculptures.
“When I came here I did not know anyone,” he said.
“The shed members helped me out a lot, finding the right tools and donating their time.
“The first time I sculpted with limestone I had no idea what I was doing but I gave it a go.”
Mr Kamundsle said his sculptures seemed popular and he had started making an income from his art.
“When I make art I think about past memories from my country and make it into art,” he said.
“All my art has a special meaning behind it and means something special to me.
“I like to explain each of my stories to different people so they understand as well.”
Mr Kamunsdle is now developing his understanding of the Limestone Coast and learning the Australian culture.
“I want to learn to sculpture new memories made here and share their meaning,” he said.
“When I was in Africa I said to God please give me a country where I can live in peace.
“God did not bring me to Melbourne or Darwin he brought me here and I will stay here for a long time because I know God will help me move forward.”
Men’s Shed member Kelvin Smibert recalls Mr Kamundsle entering the organisation without knowing a single word of English.
“Our connection with Sadiki goes back a long way since he first settled in Mount Gambier,” Mr Smibert said.
“He approached Country Arts SA with an interest in art and woodworking so he ended up at our shed.
“We found out it was not the woodworking we were used to that he was interested in, but more so the artistic kind.”
Mr Smibert said the two grew a connection with each other through speaking French.
“He had a background in French and I knew the odd word which helped us create a connection and helped communicate with other members,” he said.
“He went straight from Zambia, to Melbourne to Mount Gambier.
“Imagine that, not even being able to read the road signs.”
With experience in the arts, Mr Smibert said it was a “natural instinct” to take him under his wing.
“I am an artist and have had past experiences helping people find their feet,” he said.
“Once he had the right tools he found his groove.
“He is always welcome to come back to the Men’s Shed and on occasional we see him back now and then.”
Mr Kamundsle’s talents were displayed on Saturday night as part of the inaugural Mount Gambier Multicultural Evening showcase.
