Thomas Carr College students have collaborated with Aboriginal artist Nathan Patterson to create artwork celebrating Wyndham’s Indigenous culture.
Patterson whose art uses both traditional and modern techniques, is known for large-scale murals and for his work featuring on four AFL Indigenous Guernseys.
He visited the school last Friday during NAIDOC Week, where he spoke to students and oversaw a year 10 art collective piece.
The artwork includes local elements which connect the community such as Werribee River, the You Yangs, a campfire, a wedge-tailed eagle, gum leaves and wattle flowers.
“Our collaborative artwork is full of symbolism taken from the Wyndham Shire story,” Patterson said.
“(I was) so honoured to share my personal art journey as well as having the opportunity to educate youth about Aboriginal art, culture and storytelling.”
College art teacher Mary Udovicic said it was great to see the students being mentored by Patterson.
“After such an extraordinary year, what a delight it was to see our year 10 drawing and painting students enjoying and completely immersed in an artist workshop where they explored our rich Aboriginal culture,” she said.
“Nathan so beautifully linked all symbolism in the collaborative artwork to our local area, ensuring the final artwork is unique to our college and community.”
Principal, Craig Holmes said Thomas Carr is in the process of developing a Reconciliation Action Plan “and is proud to have celebrated NAIDOC week with our students of Indigenous heritage”.
