Deadly Aboriginal Artists Series - Merindahs

About Merindah Funnel 

Merindah Funnell is a proud Wiradjuri artist, a freelance illustrator, who also works at the MCA as an artist-educator in the National Centre for Creative Learning. Working as a street artist with various city councils, festivals and schools to create large scale murals she has gained international recognition.

Additionally, Merindah has been an artist in residence for local early learning centres such as the Point Pre-School in Oyster Bay. Co-Director of the collective Jessica Staines has the privilege of attending Merindahs book launch at the preschool last year and fell in love with Merindahs cool, eclectic contemporary style.

You can support Merindah by purchasing her book Dharawal Counting and Colouring via The Southerland Shire Reconciliation Group.

How old were you when you started painting?

I have been painting and creating for as long as I can remember. I had a hard time communicating as a child through verbal language but drawing and painting anything visual I found easy. There were times in primary school I would struggle and the teacher would encourage me to paint.

What inspires you?

What inspires me the most is my family and community. Also just going for walks listening and watching nature.

Who is your favourite artist?

I wouldn’t say I have one particular favourite artist. There are many artist that inspire me, one, in particular, is my late cousin Michael Riley. I grew up knowing his work and admiring him so much.

What advise would you give early childhood educators wanting to celebrate Aboriginal art in their art program?

Advice I would give educators wanting to connect with their local culture is to get in contact with their land council and have a local Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Elder, Artist or Educator to come in for either a residency or a one of workshop. Also for educators to attend workshops for their own development. Reading and listening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander texts, radio etc.

Read more about Jess's experience at the book launch here.