Communicating through art

Gregory Andrews has always been a vocal advocate for the environment and indigenous empowerment. So, it was only natural that his mixed-media assessment for class was created on the lawns of Parliament House last month.

Having enjoyed a 31-year career in the public service that saw him appointed as Australia’s first Threatened Species Commissioner, the 58-year-old D’harawal man began studying a Certificate IV Visual Arts at CIT at the beginning of this year.

“The reasons I began studying art were the same two reasons I decided to do this project,” Gregory said. “I’m really concerned about climate change and biodiversity collapse, and I like communicating about this with the public.

“To be honest, the second reason is art is a wonderful way to escape into your own mind – it's like a form of meditation creating art.”

As part of his artwork on the lawns of Parliament House, Gregory used calico, red ochre, and kangaroo skin to create a six-metre installation titled ‘Climate Crisis, Extinction Crisis’.  Members of the public and politicians were invited to join him to create bogong moth prints as part of a collage which was displayed next to the main piece.

“My journey with art really started with CIT at the beginning of this year,” Gregory said. “I thought it was something that you’re either born with or not born with, but what I’ve learned at CIT is that there are a lot of really good skills that you can learn.

“I’m really impressed with the calibre and the genuine commitment of the CIT teachers in the art school.”

During his time creating art, Gregory has found new ways of expressing indigenous culture while also raising awareness of the threat and impact of climate change.

“What I’ve really enjoyed, is sharing and celebrating Aboriginal identity and ways of thinking – like looking after nature and caring for country,” Gregory said. “I really love using natural materials and things from Australia that belong here.

“I also really like encouraging some of my fellow students to try them out to. I always say the dreaming doesn’t care about the colour of your skin. If you’re born here, and if you live here and look after country - then you’re part of it.”

While Gregory’s art has taken him to the lawns of Parliament House, one of his proudest achievements with his art is at home.

“We have this tradition in my family whenever it’s someone’s birthday, we always make them a card,” Gregory said. “I would never get asked, and I would never have the confidence to do so.

“I’ve learned a huge amount. I’ve gone from being the worst artist in my family to the best artist. I’m always the one asked to draw a birthday card for someone now.”