Commission for Dubbo Christian School in celebration of their 40 years in operation
BINAAL – Meaning (All) in Wiradjuri Language. Designed and developed as an original artwork for Dubbo Christian School in celebration of their 40 years in operation.
As a proud Indigenous woman, I am always respectful of where I have come from. So before I share my story of the artwork, I would first like to pay my respects to Elders past, present, and emerging and acknowledge the traditional owners of this land on which I was born and raised.
This story takes you on a journey of respect and gratitude for the knowledge we all have been fortunate to receive, and will continue to receive. It is also a celebration of 40 years of teaching and of the many lives that have been changed forever.
I have chosen the Wiradjuri word meaning (ALL) as the title of the artwork because it reflects what Dubbo Christian School stands for. It signifies that regardless of who you are or the colour of your skin, you are ALL welcome to attend the school and receive the same valuable education.
I begin my story in the centre of the artwork, where you will see a large, gold circular symbol. This symbol in Aboriginal culture represents a meeting place, campsite or watering hole. This is where our people would stop to rest and replenish before continuing the journey ahead. You will see that the symbol has no end, meaning that you are always welcome. There is no end to the education that Dubbo Christian School provides to ALL.
Along the top of the painting, I have designed 40 gum leaves to not only represent the many gum trees that bring shade to the school, but also to tell a story of new growth. I have given each leaf different markings to symbolise a unique journey, with each leaf representing a year as it falls, different from the last.
Also represented alongside the gum leaves are 13 stars, shining bright to signify each year that students spend in the school from Kindergarten to Year 12.
It was important for Dubbo Christian School to display it’s three colours in the artwork, which they stand proudly by and look up to. These colours are represented strongly in the three rivers that Dubbo is known for and are the focal point of the artwork. As the rivers flow across the painting, so does the special Welcome to Country message given to me by Roz Yates, a well-respected local Aboriginal woman and long-serving staff member of the school. The Welcome to Country message has been highlighted in gold to signify its importance to everyone.
Along the banks of the three rivers, you will see the 'n' and 'I' symbol. These symbols in Aboriginal culture stand as the symbol of a man and a woman. These symbols represent the many children that will become adults, as well as the teaching staff that will guide you through your journey. I have purposely painted these symbols in a neutral colour to reveal that we are all equal.
As you are guided through the artwork, you will see that I have added traveling symbols and kangaroo tracks at the bottom of my work. These tracks represent the many kangaroos that are frequent morning visitors to the school and onlookers for the journey our children take throughout the school.
Displayed in the foreground of the artwork are many coloured dots. These dots represent the many footsteps the children will take throughout their school lives. The colours I have chosen, starting from the top with shades of blue, represent the Holy Spirit colours for Understanding and Wisdom and make up the night sky that falls over the school. The colours continue to blend into shades of red, orange, and yellow, representing the beautiful colours of the sunrise and sunset every day. The colours then transition into earthen tones, which represent the many colours of our country and remind us that no matter where we are, we are always on Aboriginal land.
Another important colour used throughout the artwork is gold. I have applied gold to special parts of the artwork to signify the feeling of richness. A strong colour to reveal that we are all rich in God’s eyes and that we are all deserving to receive a good education. These are the golden years of our lives.
I am proud and honoured to have been given the opportunity to share my story and celebrate the 40th anniversary of this incredible school.
May this artwork always hang proudly as a reminder of how far the school has come.
Mandaang Guwu – Thank you.
Lizzy