Mark Washington

CREATIVE PRACTICE

Kamilaroi/Gomeroi visual artist

ARTIST STATEMENT

I was born in November, 1975 in Moree. I am from the Kamilaroi tribe. There are six in my family. Now I have three kids of my own and two beautiful grannies.

I have been doing art for a while now before coming to TAFE. I used to go to Yurrandaali here in Moree to do art and screen printing. The printed fabric then went overseas. It was here I met Ken Done and he sponsored us to do our screen printing which was made into fashion. We had all the technology. The fashion was even sold in Club Meds.

I have been studying Certificate Ill Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural art at TAFE this year but it feels like longer. I am really enjoying it. We have done so much this year.

I have enjoyed learning about painting, improving my dot art and landscaping. I have also loved doing carving and sculptures. Carving has been a big part of our culture here on the Mehi River over the generations. I have also used the carvings designs I have done on bark on lino prints which have come up really good. They have sold well with tourists. I have also carved designs into emu eggs and then paint them too.

I have also had a go at jewellery making using echidna quills and quandong seed to make necklace.

I love art. It makes me feel calm.

CONTACT

Via Moree TAFE (Mehi Gallery and Studio)