Marcus and Hayley Charles have been inspired by their grandmother. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
Four grandchildren of the late Griffith Wiradjiri artist Veronica Collins have started a new art business in her honour.
Jacob, 17, Veronica-Ruby, 15, Hayley, 14, and Marcus, 11, have bandied together to create ‘Deadly Bila Creations’. The enterprise produces logos, birthday cards, designs, chopping boards and other knick knacks, many with an Indigenous theme. ‘Deadly’ means awesome in Aboriginal English slang, while ‘bila’ is a Wiradjiri word meaning river.
“I was inspired by my nan,” Marcus said. “She’s the best.”
Marcus, Jacob and Veronica-Ruby are the artists, while Hayley does the design and marketing.
“I have an eye for detail and I can bring it all together,” Hayley said.
The fab four have been selling their products via a Facebook page since July 2022, but had their first physical store in august at the Griffith Central shopping centre market day, which is held on the third Saturday of every month.
Ms Collins daughter-in-law Kerry Cunial is the manager of the group and mother of Jacob and Hayley.
“I help them and give them the right direction,” Ms Cunial said. “Coming up to Christmas, we’re going to have a lot more markets to sell these products.
“Veronica has left a huge mark on her grandchildren. They loved her and they want to make her proud.”
Younger grandchildren Evie and Laylah may join the business soon. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
Marcus is also a didgeridoo player who excels at athletics. At a recent Riverina sports carnival, he came first in the discus event, with a throw of 22 metres. He wants to be a professional artist when he grows up. His other grandmother is legendary Griffith hairdresser Sue Dall’est.
Ms Collins, who passed away on 24 January 2022, was an artist whose work can be found throughout Griffith. She was often engaged by Griffith City Council and NSW Government departments to produce art. One of her most recent works was a mural on the outside of the newly constructed amphitheatre at the Griffith Regional Theatre. She was also passionate about social issues and known for her advocacy for affordable housing, as well as Indigenous and women’s rights.
According to her website, “Veronica’s artwork shows her yearning for her culture … I paint to engage the viewer to come with me on my journey of exploration of Wiradjuri Antiquities and I hope that through my artworks that storytelling remains alive”.
Those interested in purchasing art from Deadly Bila Creations can do so via their Facebook page.
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