Altona’s Zoya Martin has photographed the hands of Hobsons Bay workers for an exhibition featured in this month’s Art & Industry Festival. She speaks with Goya Dmytryshchak.
What’s your connection to Hobsons Bay?
I’ve lived in Hobsons Bay my whole life. Mum was a primary school teacher and has worked at many schools in Hobsons Bay, and my grandfather was a councillor for 25 years and mayor for two, so my family has always been involved in the community. My mum, my sister and I played for the Williamstown Women’s Lacrosse Club, which is celebrating 80 years this year.
What do you like about Altona?
I love living close to the water. The dog beach is my favourite place. I often take my labradors, Yushka and Anouk, there. They’re getting older, but still enjoy walking along the beach, meeting other dogs and taking in the beachy scents.
What would you change?
I feel that Altona lacks a strong sense of community and connectedness.
I think events like the Art & Industry Festival will help change that. It will engage and connect the community in creative ways.
What’s your favourite cafe and/or eatery?
Two Bros on Blyth is good for coffee and pastries, and Gulatis Indian Restaurant makes curries with love.
Could you tell me about your photographic exhibition?
Talking Hands is a series of large format black and white images, exploring the experiences of Hobsons Bay workers as told by their hands. These workers are from a range of backgrounds and a variety of industries.
Some retired years ago, and the stories of their hands at work provide rich insights into our history, and reveal how innovations in industry have changed the way we work.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I’m fascinated by dinosaurs. My family lived in Canada for a year when I was seven. Our adopted hometown of Edmonton was once the stomping ground of the Edmontosaurus, an adorable duck-billed dinosaur.
Visits to the local dinosaur park captured my imagination. I still feel like a seven year old when I visit the dinosaurs at the museum.
Talking Hands is open noon until 4pm weekends from November 19-27 at Woods Street Arts Space, 44 Woods Street, Laverton. See the festival program at artandindustryfestival.com.au
