Wee Waa artist commissioned to create two public art pieces in Narrabri

Wee Waa artist Ethan Towns will be commissioned to create two public arts pieces to go on display near the Narrabri Region Visitor Information Centre.

Councillors endorsed Mr Towns’ expression of interest at last Wednesday evening’s council meeting.

Mr Towns, who is also a councillor, was not present for the decision and declared a significant pecuniary interest in the matter.

Mr Towns, an accomplished artist, will create an eagle with a wingspan of three metres and width of 1.5 metres, standing at a height of 185cm and secured into the ground by a vertical pole.

A goanna sculpture will also be created, measuring 180cm in length, 40cm in height and 80cm in width. It will be positioned climbing a rock.

In his expression of interest, Mr Towns described himself as a proud Gamilaroi man from Wee Waa, deeply connected to this region and its rich cultural heritage.

“My passion for art and community engagement has been a driving force in my life, allowing me to explore and express traditional stories and themes through various artistic forms,” he said in his submission.

“While my primary focus has been on large public painting displays and small artworks, I am eager to expand into sculpture with this project, which presents a unique opportunity to bring to life important cultural narratives.

“For this sculpture project, I have already started work on the piece.

“The sculpture has been outdoors for two months, allowing me to assess its structural integrity and durability. It portrays the eagle and goanna on the verge of combat. I was to bring back a more traditional storytelling style, drawing inspiration from traditional Aboriginal storytelling, where lessons are imparted through conflict.

“Stories such as “How the Kangaroo Got Its Tail,” “The Emu and the Jabiru,” and “The Battle of the Birds” emphasize that conflict often leads to positive transformation, a philosophy this sculpture embodies.

“In the Kamilaroi/Gomeroi/Gamilaroi nations, totems like the Wedgetail Eagle and Sand Goanna hold significant cultural meaning. The eagle symbolises the celebration of blue skies, overcoming obstacles, and spiritual flight, while the goanna represents transformation, regeneration, independence, freedom, and self-sufficiency.

“Through my strong background in zoology and experience working in parks such as Kaputar, I have developed a narrative that highlights the unique characteristics and powerful presence of these animals in the sky and on the land.

“While both animals are primarily scavengers, they can become fierce hunters when the opportunity arises.”

Cr Roberts-Garnsey moved that council endorse Mr Towns’ submission. This was seconded by Cr Brett Nolan and supported by those councillors present, including Cr Darrell Tiemens, Cr Amanda Brown, Cr Navin Erathnage and Cr Greg Lamont.