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Student Activist (November 2010) - Caroline Hamilton (Yr 12-HSC Visual Arts)
1 What inspired you to choose an Animal Rights issue as your visual arts subject?.
I've always had a love for animals, and try to incorporate something animal related into every subject or task I do for school (ie. creative writings, research projects, artworks) so as to help educate others on the issues I'm so passionate about. As year 12 art students we were encouraged to pick a topic that we're interested in, especially since it's a year-long project that can be clearly conveyed in a visual medium, so Animal Rights issues seemed ideal.
2. Any particular reason why you chose the cruelty of the Kangaroo Industry as your subject matter?
I think the whole kangaroo industry is a joke. Kangaroos are our national symbol, and yet we slaughter them in the millions for pet food, their skins and international export. After my friend and I took part in an Australian Society for Kangaroos (ASK) protest, simply out of curiosity in the matter, I looked more into the matter and was shocked to find how barbaric it was. The National Code of Practice (published on the internet for anyone to read) blatantly describes the horrific protocols for kangaroo "harvesting". So, I thought it was a worthy cause to pursue in my artwork, and it hasn't been done before as far as I know.
3. Has there been any changes in your thinking or attitude about the issue as a result of the project?
I'm much more educated in the issue, and spending time researching the statistics as well as seeing so many pictures of gorgeous kangaroos and joeys has given me a better empathy for their plight. My attitude hasn't really changed except that I'm now more passionate about doing something to stop kangaroo culling.
4. Are you still interested in educating others about this particular issue, or any other animal cruelty issue?
Yes, I have to stop myself from harassing friends too much when animal rights comes up in conversation! I'd love to continue educating people about the kangaroo industry, as well as other animal rights issues.
5. Will supporting Animal Rights and putting a stop to animal cruelty feature in your life after school?
Definitely. I want to start an Animal Rights club at Uni next year (if there's not already one up and running) and will continue supporting those who are fighting animal cruelty. I'd love to work directly with rescue animals as a career, so at the moment I'm planning how to reach that goal.
6. Do you think Animal Rights is a concern for teenagers?
I find teenagers are becoming more and more interested in issues that concern more than their immediate environment. As well as refugees, human rights and the environment, animal rights is definitely becoming a bigger focus than ever before . We're not afraid to question, protest and fight for what we believe in.
7. Did you have enough support from your school and teachers when tackling this issue?
As expected, I had a bit of trouble at first conveying to my teachers the issue I was trying to address. I had to dispel myths of the industry and preconceptions people had of it, just as some people have to when their vegan/vegetarian lifestyle choices are ‘attacked’. However, my school and art teachers were never unsupportive or against what I was doing, and I thank them for that.
8. Where or what do you hope for your art piece after the HSC assessment?
Every HSC Visual Arts student, myself included, aims to have their Body of Work displayed in the prestigious ArtExpress exhibition, held annually at the Art Gallery of NSW. Apart from that, I have no clue. I'm considering donating it to Animal Liberation or ASK, as suggested by Nicole :) It's not exactly the sort of thing to have hanging in the living room, even if it would make a great discussion piece! All the spray-painting stencils are pinned to a board in my room though so I can reuse the designs over and over again.
9. What inspired you to become vegetarian at the age of 13?
My friend Victoria and I became vegetarian 4 years ago after watching Earthlings on YouTube and then having Animal Liberation visit our school on a charity discussion day not long after. Out of the 85 girls in my year there's about 10 vegetarians, 4 of whom are in my art class :)
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