A new outdoor furniture range featuring artwork by award-winning artist Brett Parker (Billyara) is providing schools and community spaces with a resource that celebrates Indigenous history and culture.
The Caring for Country outdoor furniture 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 Brett’s art.
Felton Industries said ‘Caring for Country’ was the theme chosen by Brett to represent through his art.
“This concept explores the sustainable land management practices that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples undertake, and the key role these practices play in continuing their culture,” Felton Industries said.
Brett, or Billyara, is from the Wiradjuri tribe of Murrumbidgee River people. He is an award-winning Indigenous artist with a strong passion for teaching Indigenous art, culture and history and has been working as an artist and educator in schools and organisations for more than 30 years.
Brett first met the team at Felton Industries about 18 months ago and was keen to be part of their new project.
Showcasing incredible detail and beauty, Felton Industries said Brett’s artworks tell wonderful Indigenous stories that are the heart and soul of the Caring for Country range.
“When I was approached by Felton Industries to work on this project, they were genuinely excited to be collaborating with an Indigenous artist. With more than 20 years of industry experience, delivering quality outdoor furniture made especially to suit Australia’s harsh climate, I knew I wanted to work with them right away,” Brett said.
“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.”
Felton Industries also provides educational materials with the furniture, available through a QR code shipped with the product.
“Brett tells the story behind each piece of artwork, and teachers can use these to create outdoor learning opportunities for their classroom,” the company said.
Brett’s art panels in the Caring for Country range have a Duraluxe Matte finish, resulting in vivid artwork colours.
They are also scratch resistant, UV resistant (so art will not fade). The panels are non-flammable and VOC (volatile organic compounds) free.
Visit Felton Industries website for more information about the Caring for Country range.
