Carved Poles - Eastern Ranges School

Lewis carves the stories of his ancestral uncle, William Barak, an important role model for all Wurundjeri people, being a statesman, leader, artist and powerful advocate for his people. Barak was the leader of his people at Coranderrk Aboriginal Station, which is a significant site to the Wurundjeri People and to the cultural history of Australia.

Barak was also a carver and through his art he built bridges between the Indigenous and non-Indigenous worlds. Lewis honours Barak’s journeys between Coranderrk and Melbourne, delegating for his people, and the role that Barak played in caring for his community, culture and Country.

Lewis’ patterns express his own love for his home and the beings he shares his home with such as the manna gum, the waterways, and the Creator Spirit, Bunjil. The manna gum is a significant tree in the landscapes within and around (and indeed to the communities) of Ferntree Gully.

Concept, coordination, curation: Murrup Biik

Wood carving: Lewis Wandin Bursill

Client and site: Eastern Ranges School, Ferntree Gully