SHAKEY (JACOB BUTLER), COLLIE-CARDIFF RSL TRIBUTE, 2020
Location: 1 Lefroy St (Collie-Cardiff RSL)
“After meeting with the Collie-Cardiff RSL, visiting the Collie Local History Collection and the Coalfields Museum and Research Centre, and talking with other Collie locals, I was struck by the profound impact that war has had on the history of Collie. It’s been said that the town has sent more of its population to war (on a per capita basis) than any other community in Australia.
Instead of capturing the devastating side of war, I wanted to create an uplifting mural that focuses on camaraderie, mateship and the loyalty that each soldier has for one another. I chose the iconic game of two-up as the driver behind the mural – a game that was enjoyed before, during and after times of war, that links servicemen and women together.
The first scene in the mural depicts two-up being played during the different wars throughout history. Some of the portraits are of Collie servicemen, including VC winner Martin O’Meara as well as current RSL members.
The second scene is recreation of the RSLWA logo, modified in 1990 to include a sailor, soldier, airman and servicewoman. The portraits are of proud, happy servicemen and women including an Aboriginal infantryman, acknowledging Collie as the town that is believed to be the first place in Western Australia to acknowledge Aboriginal servicemen in a formal war memorial.
The remaining scenes include a portrait of Ron ‘Collie Boy’ Miffling sharing a photo of his wife and child with a fellow soldier. The depiction represents the act of sharing and storytelling, as well as the sacrifice that servicemen and women make by leaving their loved ones behind. Also among the portraits is a depiction of Martin O'Meara VC, who rescued up to 25 soldiers from no-man's land, a representation of the importance of never leaving your fellow soldier behind – both during and after the war.” Shakey (Jacob Butler)
About the artist:
Jacob Butler (Shakey) is a young, self-taught artist based in Fremantle. Jacob works in many mediums including acrylics, oils, pastel and aerosol. Jacob’s essential tremor that existed from birth got him branded ‘Shakey’, giving him his unique, free-flowing, intuitive style. Since becoming a full-time artist he has been invited to paint live in front of large audiences for private concerts, gala balls, weddings and large charity events internationally, with his paintings yielding very successful results due to the raw energy put into his work whilst under pressure. He is currently working on large scale murals and performing live wedding art in and around Australia. Between commissions he also continues his art workshops for people with disabilities and is working towards his second exhibition.
Images: Taj Kempe
Video: Studio Orange
THE COLLIE MURAL TRAIL
