West Footscray young artist Greta Ligertwood tells Jennifer Pittorino about her winning art piece in the ‘Show Your Westside Art Exhibition’ and her connection to Maribyrnong.
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?
I am 14 years old and passionate about art and craft. I live in West Footscray and I am a year 8 student at Footscray High School.
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you like to do?
I enjoy expressing myself through using different art mediums including drawing, painting, sculpting and sewing, I also love playing guitar and play tennis.
Tell us about your piece in the exhibition ?
My piece in the exhibition was a patchwork fabric piece using embroidery and a sewing machine. It featured a local beloved part of West Footscray; REX hairdressers. I thought REX was a great representation of the West Footscray community because of its positive and welcoming atmosphere and its iconic presence in the community.
Tell us all about your passion for art.
Art has always been something I really enjoy, I have loved art from when I was little. I have been so lucky to have so many people in my life who have encouraged me to pursue art. Now I find it a great way to relax and work through my thoughts. It is hard for me to choose my favourite medium as I love using so many different mediums. I love to sew and use fabric and clay but at the moment I have been working on my sketching to improve my anatomical skills.
What’s your connection to Maribyrnong/ Hobsons Bay?
I have lived in the city of Maribyrnong for my whole life, specifically West Footscray. I went to Footscray West Primary School and now am at Footscray High School. I have always had a sense of belonging in the amazing community and have tried to contribute back to the community as much as possible.
What do you like about where you live?
I love Maribyrnong’s and particularly Footscray’s thriving art scene, home to many amazing artists and has many opportunities and events for all types of creatives. I have attended workshops in the community and contributed to the local pop up shop in West Footscray that is now a great op shop.
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
My friends and I enjoy spending time in Footscray where we love getting bubble tea or checking out the local op shops.
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you.
People would probably be surprised to know that when I was six I wore a tiara to school for a whole year.
Is there anything else you’d like to say?
I’d love to say thank you to my parents and my little brother Lawrence for always pushing me to try new things and work hard. Also shout out to my friend Bea for literally always being there for me.
