This young indigenous Sydney Catholic Schools student is making big waves in the art world.
Not only has Billy Reynolds designed kits for Cricket Australia’s ‘Woolworths Cricket Blast’ program, which teaches Aboriginal kids aged 5 to 10 years the basic skills of cricket.
The Marcellin College Randwick Year 12 student also designed the NRL’s 2020 Indigenous Round jersey for the Wests Tigers, which they wore in round 12.
“To see the Tigers run out with my jersey was amazing,” Billy said. “I am so glad I could design a jersey for such a wonderful community as the West Tigers.”
Marcellin College Randwick student Billy Reynolds models the West Tigers’ Indigenous Round jersey he designed.
Billy designed the jersey while taking part in the NRL School to Work education and employment program, aimed at helping indigenous students finish school and build career pathways once they finish secondary education.
“When I began painting my dad and I joked about getting my artwork on a jersey, thinking it was a long shot and that it probably wouldn’t happen,” recounted Billy.
“A few years later that same dream has come true! When I got the email that I had won the competition, I jumped out of my seat and ran to my family to tell them.”
“To see the Tigers run out with my jersey was amazing” – Billy Reynolds
The artwork he created for the Cricket Australia kit was called Sleeping Goanna.
“Originally the artwork was red but, because of the Woolworths colours, they changed it to green,” Billy said. “I’m really happy with how it came out.”
All of Billy’s art inspiration comes from his indigenous heritage and his passion for design.
“Being of indigenous heritage, art runs in my blood,” Billy said.
“Aboriginal people have been painting for thousands of years and I am happy that I can continue my people’s cultural practices today.”
By: NIKOLA POZDER
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