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Aaron enters Blake Prize
Aaron Marsh is entering this painting of Muli Muli in to the Blake Prize. Image: Rhonda Hagan
by Rhonda Hagan
“
I can’t draw but I can paint,” said Aaron Marsh, as he was touching up one of his latest pieces of art, sold the day before. A shy Aaron was visiting the Songline Art Gallery, a community based organisation in north Toowoomba. Aaron is a Githabul from Muli Muli in northern New South Wales. He was born and bred in southern Queensland, and finished Year 12 at Downlands College. He studied art at school but did not think he would do anything with the knowledge he gained from high school. “I’ve only been doing this art seriously for about two years. I did two art courses in design and technique at TAFE,” he said.. “They hellped me to fit all my ideas together. “I have a balance in my work
now because I use alot of really bright colours. I wanted to have my own style.” Aaron said he experimented with a variety of techniques and colours by himself, but learned from colleagues at the local community centre. “I asked the other artists if they could share their ideas with me, and now I do my own art,” Aaron said. He has sold a few paintings and said he was excited when he sold his first painting. “It felt good to know that someone else appreciated my art like I do,” he said. One big project Aaron worked on was a painting for auction to assist the Toowoomba Flood Relief after an inland Tsunami destroyed part of the city. “That painting is in the police station now,” Aaron said with pride. For the near future, Aaron has been encouraged to enter The Blake
Prize. The Blake Prize is awarded to artists whose work generates conversations about the religious and spiritual components in today’s society. The Blake Prize has been an annual award since 1951. Aaron said he will enter a large canvas depicting his home community of Muli Muli for the award He said he painted Muli Muli to share the physical and spiritual meaning with everyone. Aaron is not the only talented artist in his family. “I have quite a few nephews who are great artists ... many of them can draw as well,” he said. “One nephew in particular draws so well that he designs tattoos ... I admires the skill required to do that.” “I can’t draw but I can paint,” said the artist proud of his new found skills. Page 1
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