Tom Day #009
In this episode, we speak with Tom Day, a Shepparton-based artist with Aboriginal roots. Tom is creating a first-of-its kind reconciliation painting for Victorian Parliament while collaborating with students at Mooroopna Secondary College.
Listen in as Tom discusses how his Aboriginal background informs his art and career, how art can express truth in a way that other media cannot, and why protecting your individuality is paramount.
Key Highlights
● [00:41] An introduction to Tom Day
● [05:22] How Tom promotes cultural tourism
● [06:28] A renewed thirst for cultural knowledge in 2020
● [10:17] When Tom discovered his gift for art
● [12:52] How Tom defines art and his particular style
● [14:20] Tom’s artistic style
● [20:07] Expressing and developing your inner world as an artist
● [27:35] Producing artwork for the parliament of Victoria
● [33:06] Tom’s goals for the future
● [34:43] What Tom has learned from being a teacher
● [43:14] Tom’s advice for those who are aiming for success in Shepparton
● [50:30] Who inspires Tom and is someone he would like to see on the show?
Powerful Quotes by Tom
● The world isn’t changing in 2020—the world has changed. I think people want to be more connected than ever to something. The question about what it means to be a human being has been brought to the forefront. I think the conscience of the world has changed, and that the thirst for knowledge people have about their origins is greater than ever before.
● Art, to me, is freedom. I think it’s raw and emotional. It’s one of the last platforms in the world where truth is told.
● I’m painting for me, not for anyone else. As long as I’m happy with what I’m producing, then that’s what’s important.
● I don’t believe in luck. I believe that dedication and work will get you to where you want to go.
● The funny thing about destiny is that it usually finds you when you’re walking the road you took to walk away from it.
● Sometimes, the most dangerous place to exist is in your own mind.
Reach out to Tom and give him your support on Instagram @jirri_jirri