Article - Future/People: Jacynta Ahwang

Jacynta Ahwang

Age: 17

Mob: Gudang/Yahaykenu, Cape York and Torres Strait Islands

Location: Bamaga, QLD

Creative Type: Student, Northern Peninsula Area State College

Identifiers: He/him, legally blind epileptic

Jacynta Ahwang

Tell us about yourself.

My creative journey is influenced by my family and my culture. My mob is from Gudang/Yahaykenu, Cape York and also the Torres Strait Islands. The knowledge and stories are a big part of my art and I know that is important to continue to tell stories about our Country and our families.

What pushes you to keep creating?

Being able to inspire others and my own family members is important to me. I know that by creating I am inspiring others. Creating art gives me the opportunity to learn new skills and techniques that I can use in my art, I am interested in digital art and also textile design. I like to be able to combine both the new and old. Creating gives me an opportunity to meet lots of new people and learn about different stories and cultures.

What was the last thing that inspired you?

My home and Country and nature inspire my artwork. The ocean and the animals are inspiring for me, I love being on boats and fishing, these are part of my home and inspire me to create art that is about the water, sea and land. I am inspired by the people around me, my family, teachers and people I meet.

What matters to you?

I am motivated by creating a life where I can travel and have a successful career in the Arts industry.

I understand it is my responsibility as a young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander woman to keep telling stories and sharing my art and my culture with others is the way I want to do that.

There’s a lot happening around the world right now — what are some social causes that drive you?

I am motivated by the need to protect our land and make sure that we are able to take care of the environment around us. I am aware of the need to think about conservation and take time to care for the land and sea to make sure they are there for our future and the next generations. In my culture the land is part of who we are and my home and the local area are important.

Describe your creative process.

I think about the theme and use my ipad to do some research about the topic and the subject. I will create sketches and drawings to help come up with an initial idea and concept design. I spend time thinking about the colours and the way the design will represent the theme of the project. I work with my headphones on and listen to music while I create projects.

Seeing my ideas and concepts come to life is really exciting and I look forward to the next project.

Are you a headphones on or off type worker?

I am headphones on!! On high-rotation are Billie Eilish, Conan Gray, Lenny Sam, Alex Warren, The Weekend and 21 Pilots

Does inclusivity and accessibility factor into your designs?

Representing lots of different people and identities from different cultures and ages is important.

Art is a way of communicating with everybody because images are universal and it doesn’t matter about language or words.

What challenges have you faced as an emerging designer/creative, and how have you overcome them?

Being in a remote location means that I need to rely on online research and communication. I have been able to access lots of different information and opportunities through the internet and feel this is a way I can overcome the challenges of living in an isolated area. I am challenged by anxiety and to overcome this I make sure I move forward with opportunities and put myself out there even when it is difficult.

Can you discuss a project that significantly impacted you?

Designing the commemorative 50th Anniversary Jersey for Northern Peninsula Area State College was a significant project for me. Not only having my design used for the jersey but winning an Ipad.

Having access to this digital platform opened up the whole new world of digital art and I was able to begin learning new skills and develop an understanding of designing using ProCreate.

Personal values and industry demands can sometimes cause friction.

I strongly believe that my personal values have to take priority in my art work. I am happy to explain my position and views to a client and make sure that I stay true to what I believe. I will always have a voice.

Artwork by Jacynta Ahwang