NRL fans tuning into tonight’s game to watch the Eels take on the Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium might notice some familiar art work.
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As part of the NRL Indigenous Round, both teams will be in special jerseys designed by Aboriginal artists, including Inverell’s Elenore Binge.
Having a long established relationship with the Canberra Raiders, Elenore was contacted by the Parramatta Eels around Christmas.
“I designed the Indigenous jerseys for the Raiders in 2014 and 2016. They used some of my 2016 designs in this year’s jersey and passed on my details to the Eels,” she said.
Elenore said she wanted to illustrate something meaningful that represented the Eels, taking just two days to come up with a concept.
The Eels design features two meeting places- one representing Sydney’s city and the other representing Parramatta, and a big eel.
“There’s a blue line that connects two two which is Parramatta’s river system. I researched online and found an aerial view of the river so I incorporated it in the design,” she said.
Named ‘Where the Eels Lie Down’, the colourful design also includes an image of a Dharug warrior with a spear.
Elenore found out in early February her design had been accepted by the club, and said it was hard to keep things under wraps.
“I told close family and friends. I have two siblings that are huge Parramatta fans- one’s my brother who lives in WA,” she laughed.
The Raiders 2018 design was an adaptation from Elenore’s artwork titled ‘culture’ with circles in the centre representing a meeting place and the six horse shoe shapes symbolising central aspects of Aboriginal culture.
“These are law, language, stories, song, dance and art. Current Raider players’ hand prints from various backgrounds form an outer circle around them to represent collaboration, unity and reconciliation.”
Elenore started painting at the age of 12. She recalled watching her great Aunt paint when she was little on the front verandah.
“She taught me basic symbols and animal, then I adapted my own style. Art breaks down barriers but for me its about the story behind the artwork,” she said.
The late Colin Wightman was a great mentor to the local artist, so much so that Elenore dedicated her Eels design to his memory.
“He used to sign his paintings with a little warrior and spear so to add a Dharug warrior holding a spear in the Eels design was a special tribute to him.
“Colin was also a huge Parramatta Eels fan so this is quite special to me,” she said.
Originally from Toomelah, Elenore has been in Inverell for almost a year now and even has a shop front in Otho Street.
Aboriginelle Designs is midway down the street and Elenore welcomed people to pop by and browse through her artwork.
“I do commissions and I’ve been sought after to do workshops with kids so I’ll be apart of this year’s NAIDOC celebrations out at Boggabilla and Delungra,” she said.
For more information, or to view her art head into 49 Otho Street, or email Elenore at aboriginelledesigns@gmail.com.
Elenore and her sister, as huge Parramatta supporters, will be live at the game tonight to watch the Eels take on the bulldogs.