Maarakool Primary School – Nature’s Nurture

Commissioned through the Western Australian Government’s Percent for Art Scheme for the Department of Education WA
In collaboration with Seantelle Walsh

Formerly known as Brabham East, Maarakool Primary School sits on Noongar Country and takes its name from the Noongar word meaning ‘hands together’.
Working alongside Aboriginal artist Seantelle Walsh, I co-created a vibrant suite of artworks that transform the school grounds into a living bush wonderland – a place of learning, movement and connection to Country.

The artwork spans several integrated elements, including:

• A cluster of colourful native flower sculptures creates a joyful intervention near the school’s circular seating areas, forming a contemporary ‘mandjoogoordap’ (meeting place). These works encourage interaction and connection – anchoring students in a story of community, environment and personal growth.
• Large-scale pop-up panels, celebrating growth through detailed depictions of local flora and fauna including the Kwinda (Quenda), Karrak (Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo), Yonga (Wallaby), Yaakan (Turtle), Nyingarn (Echidna), and Karda (Goanna). The flowing blue lines represent the Derbal Yerrigan (Swan River) and surrounding waterways, alongside a white path line tracing children’s metaphorical and physical journeys through Country and learning. Floral motifs include Eucalyptus leaves, Gumnut and Wattle flowers, Calytrix, and Banksias – echoing local biodiversity and seasonal transition.
• Another panel highlights the significance of wetlands and seasonal cycles, introducing Djeran reds via Red Flowering Gums and Sheoaks, with visual references to bush foods like Zamia seeds, freshwater species and Summer Flame.

Art consultant: Alison Barrett