Humans of Leichhardt: Aisling

Aisling manages the Vinnies shop at 121-123 Marion St, on the corner of Edith St, open seven days. Fourteen years with the society, about three running Leichhardt. She is mid-thirties, grew up in Glebe, has lived here 12 years, and calls herself "pretty much an inner west person. I find it really hard to leave the area." Outside the shop she is a freelance artist with a show opening next week, and a cage-free pet pigeon.

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What do you think the things people donate say about the local community?

"We get lots of vintage lovers. We get amazing vintage bric a brac. I believe a lot of it could do with the older Italian community that is still around, because I've worked at other Vinnies and they don't receive the same quality. Leichhardt likes quirky, interesting stuff compared to some other places."

What item always sells?

"Obviously designer handbags, but people really, really love unusual bric a brac. It's super different and super unique, something you couldn't get anywhere else." Books shift too. "People come frothing for our books."

What's been your favourite ever donation?

"I got a really cool table lighter. Really old school, would have gone in the middle of the table back in the day when everyone smoked. They put all that effort into making smoking look cool. A big steel horse with a Zippo lighter in the middle of it, and a big flame."

Do you get people doing regular rounds?

"Every day, some people. They think they'll buy something and then they can resell." Do they make a living? "They try, always hoping something might be under-priced. But you've gotta respect the hustle. That's effort."

If there's one thing you'd like people to know about Vinnies Leichhardt, what would it be?

"That we're always looking for volunteers, we always need hands on deck. And be mindful when we're open. Drop during open hours, don't leave overnight, not just because it's dumping, but because good donations get exposed to the elements."

Biggest frustration?

"When people aren't mindful about what they donate, such as broken items, knives and bags that aren't wrapped up safely. While we appreciate the donation, it's a safety risk."

What's your favourite bit about it?

"The donations and getting to meet people, like the volunteers, because they're people I wouldn't get to engage with otherwise. It really allows you to explore different parts of humanity. It's not awkward, it just feels more natural."

It does seem a very accepting kind of place.

"I really strive to make it like that. I really like a safe place where people can be themselves. That's one of my main ideas when I took the role, because I have worked in places where a manager has been very closed."

Is Vinnies religious?

"I think it is, but it's hugely encouraging. It just never comes up. I've worked with Muslim people, Buddhist, Hindu. Vinnies is very respectful, including all genders. I love having a really diverse community."

Classic Sydney question: what school did you go to?

"I went to Hunters Hill, then Bradfield. It was hard to fit in at the first. I was the only girl with lots of boys who had intense ADHD, and being a girl you often slip by."

And how was Bradfield?

"Better. It had seriously weird kids like me, in the best possible way. We all had a hard time in high school and that's why we were there. No uniforms, first name basis with people. Really an understanding environment."

You said you're also an artist. Is there a relationship between your work and your art?

"Not at all. Completely separate." She has drawn since she was two, went to art school briefly. "I didn't like being told what to do." The work is realism and body horror, in acrylic markers and ink pens. "I love transfiguration. Metamorphosis. I'm interested in a movement by Germans and Austrians called Fantastic Art, where it's very much metaphysical and about human emotion, how to transform outwards the inside." She gave up gouache because markers keep up with her. "I also have ADHD, so I get quite impatient. It just feels like it works more naturally with the way I produce art."

[Ed's note: Aisling's show runs 4 to 10 August at Tiliqua Tiliqua, 257 Enmore Rd, Enmore, with a celebration night on Sat 8 August. Free, everyone welcome, drinks and food at celebration night.]

What's your favourite place to go in Leichhardt when you're not working?

"I think I just like walking around. It's so much more chilled here. Summer Hill people are literally so up and ready for the day, where Leichhardt people are more chill. Very laid back." For dinner, Cher Thai. "They're so lovely." And Panetta for fruit: "better quality, cheaper."

If you had to describe Leichhardt in three words?

"Chill, low-key, nice."

Anything you'd like to add?

"Be nice to pigeons."

Go on then.

"I'm a big pigeon advocate. They're really misunderstood. They're domesticated and they naturally seek out humans for help." Hers arrived by accident. "My partner found her when she was six weeks old and had a broken leg." Nearly two years on, the bird has her own Instagram page.

Do people still race them?

"Yes, but they are not really treated as a pet. It's more for gambling. My community treats pigeons as companions, because they can live up to 20 years. They can remember their name. They're very emotional. They're very loving. They have a lot of big feelings."

Does she live in a cage, or free roam?

"No cage. She's queen of the house."

(with thanks to Aisling and Penny)