From rags to riches: Voiceless expresses plight of animals

The former Opera Australia scenic artist now sculpts organic rags representing animal subjects. She says a link through the eyes helps viewers to strike a deep connection with her work.

''I think there’s a sort of language barrier between human and animal communication, and you can sense a sentient being there when you make eye contact with an animal,'' she says.

It is that lack of a voice which drew her to Voiceless, a non-profit  organisation working for animal protection.

Highfield and 30 other artists are joining forces for a specially commissioned exhibition of art and design, Compassionate Voices, in collaboration with high-end furniture store Koskela and the Sydney Design festival.

Her work, Kangaroo, will be the centrepiece of the exhibition and auction at the gala launch on Thursday night, with bids starting from $7700.

''It’s at once quite organic but also geometric, and I like the fact that your mind fills in the spaces.’’

She says she was drawn to Voiceless through her friend, musician and Voiceless council member Holly Throsby.

‘‘I really respect their very practical approach to animal law, to legislate against legalised cruelty in [areas such as] factory farming,’’ Highfield says.

‘‘Most people would be horrified by what is legally condoned, but people don’t want to know because it’s easier to turn a blind eye – and everybody can make conscious decisions about how they consume.’’

Compassionate Voices is curated by Dinosaur Designs co-founder Liane Rossler, who has a long track record as a campaigner for sustainable practices. It follows on from previous collaborations with the Sherman Contemporary Art Foundation (chaired by Gene Sherman, who along with husband Brian and daughter Ondine run Voiceless).

''I hope [people] come away with a feeling of connectedness to the spirit in that creature,’’ Highfield says. ‘‘I hope it makes them think about animal welfare and humane and compassionate treatment, and what they can do to support that.’’

Compassionate Voices opens on Thursday with a ticketed gala event and runs until September 7 at Koskela in Rosebery. See voiceless.org.au.