Miner displays talent as Aboriginal artist
JACOB Sarra is a skilled mining truck operator at New Acland Mine but outside of work hours has a real talent in Aboriginal art.
With a fascination for astronomy, Mr Sarra’s paintings explore a contemporary take on traditional Aboriginal art.
“The Dreamtime is full of stories about the stars and space and Aboriginal people have been using the night sky to navigate the land and track the tides for thousands of years,” he said.
“My paintings allow me to explore astronomy and these Dreamtime stories visually.
“I’m a descendant of the Goreng Goreng people near Bundaberg and it was my father who first taught to me to paint and gave me a real appreciation for Aboriginal art.
“Dad paints too and his art tell stories about the different paths people take in life.”
New Acland Mine rosters have come in handy as demand for paintings grow.
“My roster gives me blocks of four or five days off in a row and I’ve been able to use that time to really hone in on my art and growing my business,” he said.
“I get a few hours of painting in after work but on my days off I usually can paint for anywhere between six to eight hours.”
Well versed in the natural affinity children have with art, Mr Sarra has started bringing Aboriginal art to school students.
“I’ve really enjoyed visiting schools and introducing young kids to Aboriginal art and the Dreamtime,” Mr Sarra said.
“During my visit we’ll explore a Dreamtime story, like the story of Tiddalik the frog, and I help the kids understand how the story is reflected in Aboriginal paintings.
“Encouraging students to pick up their paintbrushes and have a go on their own has been a real hit and it’s a great way to introduce them to Aboriginal culture.”
❝My paintings allow me to explore astronomy and these Dreamtime stories visually.
— Jacob Sarra