The college is proud to celebrate the outstanding artistic achievement of 2025 Year 12 graduate, Elsie McKinnon, whose artwork has been selected for inclusion in the prestigious 2026 SACE Art Show.
Elsie’s work was chosen by a Board-appointed curatorial panel from nominations across South Australia. The annual exhibition showcases exceptional student achievement in SACE Visual Arts, with selections carefully balanced across schooling sectors and artistic genres.
Elsie’s selected body of work, Clockwork Youth, is a deeply personal and symbolic series comprising eighteen clocks representing each year of her childhood. Through intricate monochromatic ink illustrations, the series explores the progression of time, the transition from innocence to self-discovery, and the journey toward healing and personal growth.
In Elsie’s words, the series begins with symbols of innocence and new life such as lambs, doves and blooming flowers, before progressing to more complex themes of vulnerability, isolation and resilience. The clocks represent the inevitable continuation of time, while the symbolism throughout the series reflects Elsie’s personal experiences and growth.
Inspired by a range of artists and cultural influences, Elsie used unconventional materials by transforming clocks into canvases. Her work draws on techniques used by South Australian installation artist Julia Robinson, Filipino artist Kerby Rosanes and American artist Lauren Marx, combining mythology, surreal imagery and symbolic storytelling.
Elsie described completing the ambitious eighteen-piece series as both challenging and rewarding, noting that while the project was time-consuming, it resulted in a highly meaningful body of work that shares her personal story and invites viewers to connect in their own way.
Visual Arts teacher Coral Winterbourn said Elsie’s selection in the SACE Art Show reflects both her artistic talent and dedication to her craft.
“Elsie’s work demonstrates exceptional creativity, technical skill and emotional depth. We are incredibly proud to see her work recognised at a state level and celebrate the passion and commitment she has shown throughout her Visual Arts studies.”
Tatachilla Lutheran College congratulates Elsie on this outstanding accomplishment and looks forward to celebrating her continued success.
