Leasingham (Clare Valley) SA

From the Silo Artist, Sam Brooks…
My silo tells a story about two children, sharing stories about their past and their culture. These two children use these local books as a way to teach each other about their history, culture and connections to the area.
Famous local author, Colin Thiele, wrote Sun on the Stubble as he reflected about this area. The book talks about the hardships, farming community and day to day experiences of rural life in Eudunda. The young girl in my painting carefully steps through her magical book, experiencing cattle, sheepdogs and horseback riders as they travel through a golden dust storm. I wanted to present the kind of idealised snapshot of what it was like in the early days, as a child would envision it.
The Ngadjuri child steps through his own history, inviting the child on the other silo to come and learn about his culture. As if to playfully say “hey, come over here and learn about my culture too!” The Ngadjuri storybook, represented by stars and galaxies was a choice made in collaboration with local Elder, and Ngadjuri spokesperson Quentin Aegius. We decided that one single book is never enough to summarise such a HUGE part of history and culture.
I remember Quentin said to me “seeing our cultures side by side, sharing stories together is exactly as it should be.” He also commented, “i like how you used children to tell the story…Everyone is open as a child. A blank slate. Children don’t care about differences and they don’t judge. They are just open to experiences. In this painting I want people to see a place where there is no judgment or division, just two children playfully learning from one another.”
The Ngadjuri book can be seen as a summary of literature on the area – as it refers to the culture, customs, people and lifestyle that is present in the area today and was pulsing through the area long beyond the time of The Sun on The Stubble.
If you look closely at the stars – A local Ngadjuri story is hidden in there. Quentin noted the importance of this story to the area, and I like to think these side-by-side stories will transport the children (and the viewer) into a whole new world of unlimited mystery, intrigue and adventure.
I’m aware that there is no way a single painting can completely capture a whole culture in all its significance and nuance, so I would invite any viewer of these silos to take a tour of the area with Quentin himself. I can’t think of a more accepting, kind and welcoming person to talk about such an important part of this area’s history. You can find Quentin’s tours at: www.Ngadjuri.com.au