A SPECIALLY commissioned First Nations artwork has been unveiled in the foyer of Pinarc in Lucas.<\/p>\n
Visually representing the disability support service\u2019s clients, community, and aim to be \u2018with you all the way,\u2019 the acrylic painting has been created by Wadawurrung artist Jenna Oldaker, and is called Koling wada-ngal, or Let us walk together.<\/p>\n
Oldaker said she based the artwork on the idea of a journey, and people being on that path together.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s one of my most proud pieces I\u2019ve ever created,\u201d she said. \u201cThere are some key symbols I\u2019ve used throughout the piece.<\/p>\n
\u201cWadawurrung people were known as the water tribe, due to our harmony with nature and resourcefulness, using rivers as both our food and water source, so there are representations of the water element.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe main focus are the symbols for meeting place. As you move through the artwork, you move through the journey.<\/p>\n
\u201cTraditional U shapes symbolise people, the arrows symbolise the idea of continuity, there are animal tracks, and the You Yangs are in there; a beautiful part of Wadawurrung country, and a pivotal part of our culture.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s also the symbol for campfire and eucalyptus leaves which represents our land country, footprints that represent us walking on country together, and boomerangs which highlight that what you give to one another will always flow back.\u201d<\/p>\n
During her volunteering at Pinarc Golden Point, Oldaker has also worked with the organisation\u2019s customers to make a large collaborative painting.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m really thankful,\u201d she said. \u201cI\u2019ve been able to share my culture, and it really has been the most beautiful opportunity.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pinarc CEO Peter Newsome said staff have collaborated with Oldaker as part of the organisation\u2019s work to boost cultural engagement and inclusion.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe brief to Jenna was for her to have artistic freedom, but also to be conscious of how she could incorporate our promise to our customers,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cImportantly, to represent the trust that our customers, families, and carers place in us every day, often welcoming us into their lives at vulnerable times allowing us to support them through their journey.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis all started when Jenna undertook some volunteer work. Our services should enable community, and I think the painting visually talks about that.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve started talking about First Nations culture with a group that had no idea, and walking important meetings and milestones with all people.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A SPECIALLY commissioned First Nations artwork has been unveiled in the foyer of Pinarc in Lucas. Visually representing the disability support service\u2019s clients, community, and aim to be \u2018with you all the way,\u2019 the acrylic painting has been created by Wadawurrung artist Jenna Oldaker, and is called Koling wada-ngal, or Let us walk together. Oldaker […]<\/p>\n