Remember the name, Kel Williams.
While very much the quiet achiever, you can expect to hear a good deal more about the Ugar and Guuguyimidhirr artist after the release of a special documentary detailing his extraordinary life.
Officially opening today, the 10-minute film is the first in a series of stories by UMI Arts – each one a snapshot of Far North Queensland’s artist Elders.
UMI Arts’ Executive Officer Peter Lenoy said Mr Williams is truly deserving of any attention and admiration the film will bring.
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“People need to know about people like Kel, who as an Elder statesman and long-time member of UMI Arts, has made an immense contribution to our regional community through his talent and artwork that authentically speaks to culture and Country,” Mr Lenoy said.
“We are excited to share this film, which is destined to be a lasting legacy about one man’s experience and the close ties that bind culture and Country to community.”
From the age of 10, Kel was learning the traditions of wood carving under the tutelage of his grandfather.
The artist then turned his hand to commercial boat building in his early career, before teaching wood carving to emerging artists across many remote Aboriginal and Island communities around Cape York.
Kel now lives in Bellenden Kerr where he practises many kinds of visual art, including fine jewellery, print making and brush painting, though wood carving has remained his specialty.
Not surprisingly, Kel has also established himself as an expert in creating wooden boat models that reference the old pearl luggers used in the Torres Strait.
UMI Arts’ documentary on Kel Williams was filmed and directed by Gregg Maxwell, with support from Cairns Regional Council.
Details of screening dates are available on the UMI Arts website, while a limited run of DVDs are available at UMI Arts Gallery on Jensen Street.
This story was originally published in the December/January issue of Tropic magazine.
Main points
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Undara Experience has been sold by the Collins family to The G'Day Group
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The tourism park sits adjacent to the world-renowned Undara Volcanic National Park
- Family succession concerns and border closures contributed to the decision to sell
