Life In Sandstone
Created by Chantelle and Kyle Nettleton and made possible by a grant obtained by Friends of Freshwater from the Northern Beaches Council Placemaking Grant program and contributions from our members.
Channy and Kyle, the team behind Gilay Art and the mural in Pocket Park, are Northern Beaches locals who are passionate about helping others bring their stories to life through art. In addition to working on this project with Friends of Freshwater, they have collaborated with the Aboriginal Heritage Office, Warringah Rugby Club and Manly Sea Eagles. You can find the team on instagram @gilayart.
About the artwork:
When we began this project, it felt important to create artwork that genuinely reflects the heritage, landscape, and community of this part of the Northern Beaches. With its home in Pocket Park, it is surrounded by kindergartens, the Aboriginal Heritage Office and as a place where people come together to sit, relax, and connect, it felt only natural to weave these elements into the work.
Background Dots
These dots represent members of the Freshwater community and nearby surrounding suburbs.
Background White Dots
The dots covering the lower half of the mural represent the middens that line the Northern Beaches.
Engravings
The whale, kangaroo, boomerang, and shield are Aboriginal engravings that can be found across the Northern Beaches area.
Meeting Place
Given the location of this artwork, next to a park and in the heart of Freshwater, we felt it was fitting to include a meeting place. Within the meeting place are small U-shapes, representing people gathered together, talking, learning, and sharing.
Grinding Grooves
Grinding grooves can be found in parts of the Northern Beaches. These incredible markings were formed when Aboriginal people sat and sharpened stone axes. It’s meaningful to reflect on the stories and knowledge that would have been shared during these times.
Colour
Being on sandstone country, and in such a unique place, we felt it was important to reflect that in the artwork, which we have done through the use of gold.
Background Dots
Background White Dots
Engravings
Meeting Place
Grinding Grooves