Tyler adds to accolades on international stage

A Geraldton Senior College student has won an award at the Young Australian Art and Writers’ Awards held in Melbourne last week.

Year 11 student Tyler Sillery-Maxwell topped the ASG Indigenous Art category with his self-portrait Change where he used pens, pencils and teabags to depicts themes of identity, childhood and growth.

The 17-year-old, who now has five art accolades under his belt, said he first developed a passion for the subject in Year 6 and is now considering a career in drawing.

“I love Star Wars so I started out with a lot of Star Wars-inspired artwork. I also love comics and portraits,” he said.

“I’ve actually been approached by Paul Collins at HarperCollins publishers to do some illustrations for children’s book authors.

“I’m considering it, but I also want to work for the Federal Police.”

The Young Australian Art and Writers’ Awards is an initiative of Children’s Charity Network, an organisation which runs a series of programs throughout the year to promote confidence and self-esteem in youth.

Tyler said encouraging people with artist talent was a great way to promote that message.

“I post a lot of my art on Instagram which gets people from all around the world looking at it, like Russia, New York and the Philippines,” he said.

“I’ve built a lot of friendships through it.

“Drawing is very calming for me.

“I get to produce how I feel.”

The 2017 Young Australian Art and Writers’ Awards received more than 2000 entries from young artists.