Melbourne artist Phil Ferguson’s kooky crocheted hats make a difference for kids whose parents battle mental illness
MELBOURNE artist Phil Ferguson has built a huge following around his crocheted food hats — but there’s a heartfelt message behind the kooky exterior.
BETTER known as the Instagram sensation Chili Philly, young Melbourne artist Phil Ferguson has built an enormous following around his outrageous range of handmade crocheted hats. However he never imagined that posting selfies with giant pieces of knitted food on his head would help him improve the lives of others.
“I started out on social media wearing these crazy hats I’d made as a way of putting myself out there and meeting people in Melbourne,” says Perth-raised Phil, 23.
With 144,000 Instagram followers and a growing profile as an artist, it’s clear the Australian of the Day’s novel idea paid off. While he says making friends and having a creative outlet has been great, Phil’s fame has also given him the opportunity to make an impact in an area close to his heart.
Last year Phil was made an ambassador of the Satellite Foundation, which is dedicated to assisting children of parents who have a mental illness. “I personally can relate to how hard that can be because my dad was bipolar,” says the Curtin University fine arts graduate.
“I didn’t understand what was going on with my dad until only a couple of years back. It was very confusing and difficult. I can totally understand the need to help children to come to grips with mental illness in their parents while they’re still young; that can really help with their future trajectory so it’s been very rewarding and humbling.”
CommBank has partnered with News Corp Australia to champion the Australian of the Day initiative which celebrates people in our neighbourhoods and communities who really make a difference to how we live and who we are. You can read all their stories at australianoftheday.com.au, where you can also nominate someone you know.
Fighting mind over matter
When it came to developing dementia in 2008, it was a matter of sooner – not later – for Kate who was preparing to celebrate her 50th birthday.
The woman with “the best job in the world”
ANDREA Mason is working hard to integrate elements of corporate Australia to create employment, support health and wellbeing, and tackle domestic violence in the community.