Garruu

Garruu (Gamilaraay for ‘uncle’). Linoleum print (limited edition of 25). Paper 760H x 560W and Print 600H x 390W. Canson Edition 100% cotton 250gsm paper. Printmasters Professional Ink.

This print titled ‘Garruu’ (Gamilaraay for uncle) is in honour of my uncle Bernie Briggs. Uncle Bernie is a well-known and much loved member of the wider Moree community (both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal). This portrait was completed based on a photo I took of Uncle Bernie at the Rugby League finals in Inverell in August in which my cousin Stephen Briggs played for the Moree Boars. In his youth Uncle Bernie was acknowledged throughout the region as an accomplished athlete and champion Rugby League player. The print was designed to offer a snapshot of how he looks at a point in time.

For this print I spent one day on design, ten days on hand carving the lino block and one day printing. I used Printmasters Professional Process Ink on 100% cotton 250gsm antique white Canson Edition Paper. This print requires framing.

Follow

Mawu-gi [ Brent Emerson ]
Soft Pastel Artist, Printmaker , Acrylic Painter & Photographer

My creative work comes directly from what I observe in the world around me, especially when I am on country for cultural activities, sites work, bushwalking and fishing. I am greatly influenced by my family and community, and my Gamilaraay and Australian heritage, connection to Country and language. The connection between language and my creations is shown through my convention of using Gamilaraay titles for my works. This both educates others, expands my vocabulary and connects me to history (past, present and future).

I started creating 3 years ago following a recommendation from my psychologist, who was treating me for anxiety and depression, resulting from workplace bullying. This is something that I share with others so that they also feel that they can get help, and perhaps in the process find something they love doing. Previous to this I had never had the opportunity to create and was unaware that this was something that I had inside of me. When I am creating, I don’t think about yesterday or worry about tomorrow, I am simply in the moment. Art allows me to communicate my view and interpretation of the world. Together with my family, it gives me purpose.

I started as a printmaker (linoleum prints and serigraphs) after completing a Cert III Aboriginal cultural arts at Moree TAFE. Following this, I expanded my practice to using standard acrylic, and then impasto gel and spray acrylic. I especially love collecting, processing and using local ochres and natural pigments with acrylic as the binder.

Later, I took up the challenge of learning the new medium of soft pastels in 2018. With the help of a wonderful local tutor, Helena South, at weekly classes at the Inverell Art Gallery, I think I have found a medium that naturally suits me. After just 1 year of using soft pastels I was invited by Unison Colour to become an Associate Artist of Unison Colour and promote the wonderful medium of soft pastels. Soft pastels are an often misunderstood and underappreciated creative medium. I love applying pigment directly to a surface, it reminds me of all the work of my people that I see when I am out on Gamilaraay lands. It links me to the past, inspires me in the present and allows me share stories with others that will survive into the future through my art.