Local Yorta Yorta Wemba Wemba and Gundijmara artist Tom Day is set to make history by painting what is expected to be the largest Aboriginal mural in Australia.
Commissioned by the City of Wyndham, the 15-storey-high project is set to be completed within three weeks and will employ various lifts and cranes in its execution.
“I was born in Shepparton. My parents are both from here, and my family is all from here, but I left when I was around four years old,” Mr Day said.
Raised by his maternal grandparents, Mr Day attributes much of his artistic influence to his grandmother, a Gundijmara woman from Lake Condah, and the World Heritage-listed lands of Budj Bim, where he grew up.
Mr Day, who had initially won a national design competition for Billabong at the age of 16, veered away from art for a considerable time, working in various roles in the Aboriginal co-op, such as a ranger, drug and alcohol worker, and even as a CEO.
“I only really picked up the paintbrush again, probably six years ago,” he said.
“I thought, well, I’m going to have a proper crack at this now.”
In addition to his art, Mr Day is a national cultural ambassador for the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects, consults on large civil projects across Melbourne, and lectures design students at multiple universities nationwide.
“Architecture is what I wanted to do when I was back in school,” Mr Day said.
However, with the art world knocking at his door, Mr Day has been commissioned to paint several significant murals, including an artwork for the Parliament of Victoria.
It hangs in Parliament House in Melbourne and is the largest artwork within the building.
Mr Day’s work continues to take him all over Australia, collaborating with renowned artists like Adnate and participating in large-scale projects.
He’s also gaining international recognition.
“I’m naturally introverted, so I don’t take compliments well,” he said.
“I just look for the next challenge.”
Though much of his work takes him outside of Shepparton, Mr Day maintains a strong connection to his roots.
“I’m proud to come from here, and I’m proud to be just a ‘Shepp boy’ doing all these things,” he said.
When asked what inspired him to undertake such a large mural, Mr Day said it’s about “personal growth and a desire to leave a lasting impact for my family, particularly in memory of my grandmother”.
“To aspiring artists, my advice is to trust and believe in yourself,” he said.
“Take a chance on your passion.”