Caring to create for bushfire victims

Torquay furniture-maker Luke Collins and Geelong artist Tanya Keenan have combined their talents to raise money for Wye River bushfire victims.
The two created a stylish piece of artistic furniture inspired by the Surf Coast which is for auction on the Created With Care website.
Luke and Tanya wanted their Wye River Buffet to reflect the natural environment they both love.
“We have such a beautiful, serene coastline,” Tanya said.
Tanya described herself as a self-taught artist and mother of three who loved to experiment with different textures to create “landscapes of her mind”.
But this was her first time working with furniture.
“It was a bit nerve-wracking,” she said.
“The wood I was painting on was very expensive, so if I had made a mistake it would have been a disaster.”
Luke made the buffet from donated wood as a canvas and frame for Tanya’s painting.
He hoped the piece would be timeless.
“We want all of our pieces to be handed down to the next generation not into hard rubbish.”
The money raised will go to the Spirit Foundation which is assisting Wye River and Separation Creek residents after bushfires devastated their towns in December.
Foundation co-director Peter Spring said the campaign included financial support to individuals and infrastructure projects, including first-aid facilities at the local surf lifesaving club.
“We’re working closely with community leaders at Wye River and Separation Creek to identify the best ways in which we can assist the wider community,” he said.
Bids for the buffet had reached $1300 by 17 May.
Bids remain open at createdwithcare.com.au until 5pm on 10 June.