"The mural is showing Aboriginal people and our art in a positive light - and it's really important that people see that."
- Wadarndi artist Lea Taylor
YOUTH from within the Shire of Capel have recently begun a four-week project that will see the creation of a vibrant mural that showcases Indigenous art.
As organised by the Capel Youth Collective, youth aged between 12 and 17 were given the opportunity to help paint the mural located at Central Lakes Park in Dalyellup.
As designed by Wadarndi woman and Perth-based artist Lea Taylor, the mural once completed will feature various sea life with bursts of "aboriginal flavour".
Ms Taylor, who has murals featured throughout the South West, said the project stemmed from her work with school aged students throughout the state.
"With my art I focus a lot on weaving and murals but also cultural education and workshops," Ms Taylor said.
"I run a painting workshop with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children called 'We Don't All Do Dots', and it's all about teaching people what areas art comes from, because Noongars do not paint dots as our traditional style.
"Kids love it because they can paint whatever they want and then at the same time learn about Aboriginal art."
Once completed, the Dalyellup mural will feature sea life such as whales and stingrays, with traditional elements of Indigenous art.
Ms Taylor said the orange line work that featured three black lines within it, represented movement and travel.
"Three moving lines means water and the three, black circles represent a camp site of gathering place," she said.
"I've also included large, blue circles all around the bottom which is a signature I use on all of my work.
"It is a reference to rocks as Noongar people in particular do not take rocks from country because of the belief that they hold spirit - so these are the rocks in place that will protect the spirit of the building.
"The project is important because it is showing Aboriginal people and our art in a positive light - and it's really important that people see that."
The mural is estimated to be completed by early March.
It will be featured as part of the 2022 Sunset Youth Festival, set to be held at Central Lakes Park, Maidment Parade, Dalyellup on April 13.
Pip Waller
After working in film and television production in Perth, I returned to my hometown of Bunbury to further my skill set as a journalist. I am passionate about the empowerment of women and giving a voice to the unheard members of our community. You can contact me at pip.waller@austcommunitymedia.com.au
After working in film and television production in Perth, I returned to my hometown of Bunbury to further my skill set as a journalist. I am passionate about the empowerment of women and giving a voice to the unheard members of our community. You can contact me at pip.waller@austcommunitymedia.com.au
