Incorporating Indigenous art and culture into outdoor furniture has not been an easy task for Australian-owned manufacturer Felton Industries, but it has persisted, and in the process provided a unique resource teachers can use to create outdoor learning opportunities.
A new outdoor furniture range featuring artwork by award-winning artist Mr Brett Parker (Billyara) is providing schools and community spaces with a resource that celebrates Indigenous history and culture.
The new Caring for Country range, from Felton Industries, consists of a contemporary-style outdoor setting, bench seat with backrest and bin enclosure, with more products soon to be released. The range is made from premium quality aluminium, with a woodgrain finish that provides a canvas for Billyara’s art.
An Australian-owned family business based in Condobolin, NSW, Felton Industries has been designing, manufacturing and supplying aluminium outdoor furniture in Australia for more than 20 years.
Ms Bailey Salter, the company’s Educational Team Leader, says the company has had a long-standing desire to bring something a little different into its outdoor furniture range.
“We are so proud to be 100% Australian made and to support regional communities with employment, but we really wanted to incorporate the rich and proud Indigenous history into our outdoor furniture,” she says.
The company puzzled over how it could represent Indigenous art and culture while still delivering premium quality outdoor furniture for schools and communities.
“It was not an easy task. After some lessons learnt innovating other outdoor furniture products, Peter Wiggins, founder and owner of Felton Industries, knew it was the right time to begin his dream project. He started on the road to finding an Indigenous artist to partner with, one who could create spectacular artwork for the new range. That’s when he met Billyara,” Ms Salter says.
Billyara is from the Wiradjuri tribe of Murrumbidgee River people and has been working as an artist and educator in schools and organisations for more than 30 years.
“I’m a proud Wiradjuri man and my art gives me an opportunity to educate children and others about our rich history and culture. For all my paintings, I draw inspiration from nature and unique land. Each artwork has a story, a meaning I love to tell,” Billyara says.
Billyara first met the team at Felton Industries about 18 months ago and was keen to be part of their new project.
“When I was approached by Felton Industries to work on this project, they were genuinely excited to be collaborating with an Indigenous artist,” he says.
“They have been great to work with, my designs and meaningful artwork being well received and appreciated. Their energetic and positive approach to this project has been refreshing and they’ll be delivering the highest quality outdoor furniture with Indigenous designs which I’m so proud to be a part of.”
Ms Patricia Voss, Project Officer at Felton Industries, says the company wanted its new range to serve a greater purpose beyond its physical function.
“One of the things we wanted to capture with the Caring for Country range was not just the jaw-dropping beauty of the art and a celebration of Indigenous culture, but to offer an educational window into First Nations culture,” she says.
“We came up with the unique idea of using a QR code on the outdoor furniture. On each of the Caring for Country range, there’s a different artwork and an associated story.
“While sitting on or using the outdoor furniture, people can scan the QR code to watch a video of Billyara discussing how he created the art and the meaning explored within.”
Ms Voss says this aspect adds another dimension of value to the range.
“Caring for Country explores the sustainable land management practices that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples undertake, and the key role that these practices play in continuing their culture,” Ms Voss says.
She says replicating Billyara’s detailed, intricate art onto outdoor furniture was a complex process.
“We’ve worked with experts in the field to ensure this has been meticulously done. The results are truly stunning, and we are excited to bring this product to schools. It’s going to look fantastic in schools and parks, as well as corporate and community outdoor spaces,” she says.
“The Caring for Country range offers a new opportunity to connect people and place, turning empty spaces into meeting places.”