OUR INNOVATION RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN
Meet the artist LESLIE PICKETT
Noongar woman, artist and Housing Choices Western Australia resident, Leslie, is the artist behind the beautiful artwork featured on the cover and throughout our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
Born in Pinjarra, in the Peel region of Western Australia, one hour south of Perth, the 58-year-old is part of the Stolen Generation: “ When I was young, I was placed in Roelands Mission with my brother and sisters. Later my Mum and Pop got us out and we were all together again. ” Leslie began painting as a child, drawing inspiration from the trees and landscapes that surrounded her. Over the years, she taught herself di erent painting techniques and picked up art skills from her four sisters. She experiences particular joy and pleasure when painting nature. “ I store ideas in my head, once I start painting it just starts coming out. ”
Leslie’s artistic talents are not limited to painting, she also etches emu eggs using a sharp razor and mini drill to carve designs into eggshells. Despite her love of art, Leslie spent years without picking up a paint brush. That changed a few years ago when she walked into Housing Choices Western Australia Mandurah o ce, which had been freshly painted, and she noted how bare the walls were. Inspired, Leslie o ered to create an artwork which would brighten up the space. After receiving funding from Housing Choices to buy art materials, Leslie exhibited her work at the tenant art show, after which Housing Choices Western Australia purchased Walkabout for Bush Tucker for the o ce. Walkabout for Bush Tucker has brought joy to sta in the o ce, and its bright colours are now being spread across the nation.
34 | Housing Choices Australia
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