Crockett’s artwork flies the flag in Moree
MOREE Plains Shire Council is celebrating Reconciliation Week by flying a contemporary Aboriginal artwork by local artist David “Crockett” Craigie.
The original artwork, My Country, tells the story of the artist’s connection to the Moree Plains and how he sees the region’s evolution to become a multicultural community that embraces so many people.
Crockett, as he likes to be known, has five circles as his artist’s signature.
The middle circle represents Kamilaroi land with Moree as its centrepiece. The four outer circles are the corners of the world.
Peoples from all nations came across Mother Earth to the black soils of Kamilaroi country under the Great Southern Sky.
“You might say that the tribes from all nations are drawn to Moree for the waters that heal and feed us, and the fertile soils that produce food and fibres,” Crockett said.
“Together, here in Moree, we became one multicultural community using what Mother Earth has provided us.”
Crockett with fellow artists from Moree TAFE’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts class and teacher Lizzy von Gavel (far right).
Crockett is one of a number of talented Indigenous artists attending Moree TAFE’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts class headed up by Lizzy von Gavel.
Students are involved in a variety of artistic mediums including masonry, screen-printing, mosaic, woodwork, sculpture and paint.
The flags have been installed in Moree’s CBD as part of the community’s celebration of its achievements towards reconciliation.
“It is great that my design was chosen to be made for a main street flag – it’s very exciting,” Crockett said.
And he gives a wink before adding: “The original artwork is for sale – it’s a bona fide piece of history.”
Council’s communication officer Catherine Davis explained that Crockett is the fifth Aboriginal artist whose work has been reproduced as a main street flag for the community.
“Moree has many talented Indigenous artists and their art is important to the culture and identity of the people in our Shire,” Ms Davis said.
“The visual story of My Country makes this a perfect design for flying in the main street during significant celebrations such as Reconciliation and NAIDOC Weeks,” she said.
Council adapted Mr Craigie’s My Country original artwork to fit flag specifications.
Media Release: May 10, 2017