Johanna K
Who's who portrait prize award winner—Levels 7 to 9
Johanna K, Level 7, Kardinia International College
Subject: Neil Bell
Artist statement:
I wanted to draw Neil Bell because he has lived such a fascinating life. He was a member of the Legislative Assembly in the Northern Territory as well as a linguist, teacher and lawyer. He has spent his whole life educating and learning and still studies today. He lives on the Bellarine.
Neil has always been fascinated by the culture and many languages of Indigenous Australians. He was the first member of an Australian parliament to use an indigenous language in parliament. Part of his maiden speech was explained in Pitiantiatiara, a language of the Western Desert people. I think that was a very important moment in our history. Neil has achieved many things. I think his greatest achievement is how he used his language and learning skills to represent and lead people who needed a voice. His best quality is his empathy.