Parkes artists Irene Ridgeway and Sean James Cassidy, Uncle Robert Clegg and workshop participants.
The Parkes PCYC recently hosted local Parkes artists, Irene Ridgeway and Sean James Cassidy for two days of workshops on discovering Indigenous Cultural Art.
Day one started with a moving Welcome to Country by Wiradjuri Elder, Uncle Robert Clegg, introducing us to Yindyamarra, to do slowly, to respect, to be gentle. He reminded us to look up, look down, look around and to be aware, present and respectful of where we are.
The artists were joined by eight budding artists including children and adults across the two days, eager to learn more about the Wiradjuri art styles. Inspired by a series of exquisite videos including ‘I am My Elders Blood’ and ‘Patterns in Nature Screening’, together Irene and Sean shared the concept of sand mapping. The symbolic use of three lines was shared. The lines are reflective of the three rivers of Wiradjuri and three phases of life.
Day Two started with an Acknowledgement of Country by Irene, before revisiting the clay canvas, this time crushing and adding charcoal to continue the story sharing. These textures and story lines were then translated into acrylic paint, on a black canvas. Using brushes, sticks, fingers, hands, each artwork told its own story.
To wrap the two days of workshops, Uncle Robert returned and revealed his newest mural, proudly displayed on the PCYC wall. Symbolic of the Eight Ways of Learning, Uncle Robert featured the Wiradjuri totem, Gugaa (goanna) and the three lines. Not only did workshop participants hear first hand the artist’s story, the PCYC Vacation Care kids joined in for the explanation. The mural was complete with handprints by each of the workshop participants.
Artist, Sean James Cassidy said, “Knowing that we’ve enriched the lives of the artists who attended, sharing the cultural knowledge, language and symbols with them – it means that we’ve had a positive impact in continuing the Wiradjuri traditions.”