I commence today by acknowledging the Naarm people, the Traditional Custodians of the land, and express my deep respect for their Elders, both past and present. This reverence extends to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals. It was an honor to represent this rich culture through my artistic expression.
One notable project involved the creation of a commissioned full mural on a van, with a thematic directive of "Australian Sunset." The intricate process included layering Australian flora, featuring Waratahs, Eucalyptus, and Eucalyptus Cinerea. Additionally, I incorporated symbolic elements like a black cockatoo and an American coral snake.
In response to the client's request, I embedded indigenous designs on the van, reflecting meeting places and tracks through the country. Collaborating with elders in Naarm, I carefully designed and placed these elements, uniting them with various shades of Australian Ochre.
The project spanned a challenging 3 and a half weeks, enduring arctic winds, relentless rains, and emotional/physical strains. Confronting acrylics on a large scale for the first time provided valuable lessons, teaching me resilience in navigating difficult situations and negotiating agreements.