Tree of Life
'Waterhole' by Michael B, Boom Gate Gallery
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Mob
It is important to me to learn Aboriginal art. When I started doing art I didn’t know much about it and I didn’t have any skills. Now I have good skills and I can help the other men with their work. It makes me feel good about myself by helping them. I was a billet for four years in the pottery room and was responsible for keeping the art room clean. I learnt to use a wet rag to wipe down surfaces and the floor, as the dust is not good for your health.
The art and pottery rooms are good for us fellas to get together and share a space that is culturally relevant. It helps to strengthen our cultural ties and bond as Aboriginal men in a positive and helpful environment.
I can hand-build with clay and use the pottery wheel now. I have made small animals; large ones too. The large ones are a wombat and an elephant. Before I started pottery I did match-work and Paddle Pop stick-building. I made a one storey house first, then I built a two storey one, then finally a three-storey mansion which was fully furnished and stood one meter high. After these projects I began to make didgeridoos. Firstly, I made them with match sticks and then with Paddle Pop sticks with bark on them. They play and work well.
When I get out of prison, I will be doing match-work and woodwork during the day and at night I will be doing pottery work. I would like my children to be involved with this because I can see the benefits they can get out of being creative.
It is important to me to learn Aboriginal art. When I started doing art I didn’t know much about it and I didn’t have any skills. Now I have good skills and I can help the other men with their work. It makes me feel good about myself by helping them. I was a billet for four years in the pottery room and was responsible for keeping the art room clean. I learnt to use a wet rag to wipe down surfaces and the floor, as the dust is not good for your health.
The art and pottery rooms are good for us fellas to get together and share a space that is culturally relevant. It helps to strengthen our cultural ties and bond as Aboriginal men in a positive and helpful environment.
I can hand-build with clay and use the pottery wheel now. I have made small animals; large ones too. The large ones are a wombat and an elephant. Before I started pottery I did match-work and Paddle Pop stick-building. I made a one storey house first, then I built a two storey one, then finally a three-storey mansion which was fully furnished and stood one meter high. After these projects I began to make didgeridoos. Firstly, I made them with match sticks and then with Paddle Pop sticks with bark on them. They play and work well.
When I get out of prison, I will be doing match-work and woodwork during the day and at night I will be doing pottery work. I would like my children to be involved with this because I can see the benefits they can get out of being creative.
‘It’s Changing Lives’: New Program Helping First Nations Women Find Housing After Prison
By Denham Sadler
Tracy was one of many women released from prison straight into homelessness. Thanks to the Homeward Sisters program, Tracy was able to secure priority housing that meets her needs.
Mob
ISSUE NO. 24
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3 MIN READ
Roger Knox: The ‘Koori King of Country’ on Prison Stages
By Denham Sadler
First Nations music legend Roger Knox has played everywhere from huge music festivals in the USA to the Sydney Opera House. But he says the shows that mean the most to him are the ones he played in prisons around Australia.
Mob
ISSUE NO. 24
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4 MIN READ
Celebrating NAIDOC Week!
By About Time
To celebrate NAIDOC week, we’re showcasing First Nations art submissions. We acknowledge the fierce First Nations people and Elders across the country advocating for justice.
Mob
ISSUE NO. 24
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4 MIN READ
Artwork From The Torch – Issue No. 23
By The Torch
Two new artworks from First Nations artists.
Mob