Indigenous artist Gregg Dreise inspires next generation of artists at Whitsunday Voices
Gregg Dreise’s work as an author and illustrator extends far beyond the pages, with the Indigenous artist helping inspire the next generation to appreciate different cultures.
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For most people, the difference between an artist and an illustrator is minimal.
For Gregg Dreise, the two titles are completely different.
The artist-in-residence for the Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival said he wanted to “tell a story”.
“One of my jobs is wanting to make a painting look good so someone wants to buy it and hang it on a wall, but the other I want to tell a story,” he said.
“Kids who don’t speak English as a first language, or little ones who can’t read at all yet, they still need to be exposed to stories, they can still flick through a book and understand the story.
“I’m trying to change lives.”
Mr Dreise is a proud Indigenous Australian who specialises in celebrating his culture through storytelling.
He said his work with his culture was his “biggest passions”.
“If I can help kids enjoy learning about the true Aboriginal culture, the joy and passion of my culture, I find great joy in that,” he said.
“It’s important to look after the country for the kids, even the ones who haven’t been born yet, we grow up in a society that is typically very greedy and that needs to change as we reflect on our country and community.”
Mr Dreise showcased his artistic flair with a didgeridoo performance and took photos with the kids who had travelled from across the Mackay region to attend the three-day festival.
He said the energy in all the kids was electric.
“They all love being here, away from technology and really learning about not only my culture, but developing an understanding of artistic expression,” Mr Dreise said.
“They’re always smiling, it just makes your heart melt.”