Art connects with the spirit of place

The once bland walls Shah Jackey colours are as refreshing as a cold drink on a hot day. They lift spirit and soul. So it is with his latest effort on a wall of the Marine Terrace-based The Provincial. The mural has given him enormous satisfaction. It reflects an awareness of disabilities and mental health and a group of people with such challenges were Jackey’s helpers. He says they drove the project. “These people love the beach, love exploring, love adventures. We worked on this with a common interest,” he said. A part-time art teacher at Nagle Catholic College, Jackey has run art therapy classes through Avivo, a home-care and service provider, for four years. Last year, he returned to his home town of Katanning to revitalise the local skate park. Again, he worked with youngsters, inspiring dreams and vision. “I grew up skating the streets of Katanning; it felt like I’d come full circle,” he said. He has created many murals in Geraldton, and helped countless youngsters develop creative traits. “I love leading community art and enjoy working with the people I do,” he said. “I’m not sure what’s next . . . but we’re ready.”