Three of the region’s most recognised artists are sharing their rich cultural traditions and expertise in a number of free workshops in the coming weeks.
Run in the Court House Gallery, the Taste of Culture series allows keen craftspeople to learn invaluable skills and stories from Indigenous artists Kel Williams, Natasha Davui and Paul Bong.
##BA##
Kel is an accomplished wood carver, boat builder and brush artist, among other trades, as well as the subject of UMI Arts’ first documentary on local artist Elders.
Following the tutelage of his grandfather from the age of 10, the Ugar (Stephen Island) and Guuguyimidhirr (Cape York) artist didn’t revisit wood carving until the 90s.
He then went on to teach emerging artists across remote Cape communities, while also connecting the craft to his boat building days by creating wooden boats reminiscent of old Torres Strait pearl luggers.
Natasha is widely admired for her intricate contemporary art and detailed paintings, which reflect her Djaburay (Barron River) heritage and connection to the Gunggari people in south-west Queensland’ Maranoa River region.
She’s partnered with big local brands, including fashion label Mainie and Crystalbrook Collection’s Bailey Hotel.
A Yidinji artist whose great-grandparents were tribal elders of the fertile lands between Cairns, Babinda and Kairi, Paul Bong is compelled to regain lost culture through his artistic practice.
He was also awarded Cairns Indigenous Art Fair’s 2021 Premier’s Award for Excellence for his artistic response and body of work – monoprints of the Yidinji Warrior Shields of his rainforest people – to CIAF’s theme, Sacred.
Both Paul and Natasha are previous recipients of a Thancoupie Bursary.
Kel is undertaking wood carving classes as part of Taste of Culture, while Natasha will focus on painting and Paul, printmaking.
The next is a painting workshop with Natasha on 21 May, while Kel Williams will host a wood carving class on 11 June.
Paul Bong’s workshop on printmaking then brings the sessions to a close on 25 June.
Find more details here.
