Skip to content
The Catholic Leader
  • Home
  • News
    • QLD
    • Australia
    • Regional
    • Education
    • World
    • Vatican
  • Features
  • Opinion
  • Life
    • Family
    • Relationships
    • Faith
  • Culture
  • People
  • Subscribe
  • Jobs
  • Contribute
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • QLD
    • Australia
    • Regional
    • Education
    • World
    • Vatican
  • Features
  • Opinion
  • Life
    • Family
    • Relationships
    • Faith
  • Culture
  • People
  • Subscribe
  • Jobs
  • Contribute
No Result
View All Result
The Catholic Leader
No Result
View All Result
Home News QLD

Q&A – Bishop Tim Norton’s vestment designer opens up on First Nations’ expression

byMark Bowling
10 March 2022
Reading Time: 4 mins read
AA
Missionary priest Tim Norton ordained new auxiliary bishop for Brisbane

Mission of God: Brisbane’s newly-ordained Bishop Tim Norton.

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

A BRILLIANT First Nations design feature on the vestments of Brisbane’s new auxiliary bishop, Tim Norton, a missionary priest who sees the Church’s role in reaching out to minorities, including indigenous people.

For those who witnessed his episcopal ordination in the city’s St Stephen’s Cathedral on February 22 it was the first chance to see the unique, screen-printed design – the artwork of Queenslander Danielle Leedie Gray. 

The  34-year-old artist, illustrator and designer, and a descendant of the Bidjara and Wakka Wakka people of south west and east Queensland told The Catholic Leader about her role designing Bishop Norton’s vestment.

What did you set out to depict in the design?

When the bishop wears the vestment, he is seen in the midst of the local Church, surrounded by its communities. The red and ochre colours speak of the earth. The blue colour and the flowing lines refer to the ocean, rivers and coastline. They acknowledge First Nations Australians and their connection to this place.

I wanted to reflect unity amongst the parishes and Bishop Norton’s role as a leader, whilst also incorporating Australia’s natural elements. The idea behind the vestments design, in particular the chasable, was that the parishes would surround Bishop Norton as he wore his chasable, flowing/moving with him as he moved. 

What inspiration do you draw upon for your art?  What do you like to express?

Newly-ordained Bishop Norton’s mitre displays vibrant indigenous design.

Nature and symbolism. I like to express elements of nature, but if I had to pick a one or two it would be water and people coming together and moving forward. Water because it is a natural element and essential to life but it also is calming, people coming together and moving forward because it represents unity and working together. 

What materials do you use? 

I am graphic artist/illustrator and designer so I use computer programs to create my work. 

Related Stories

Gwen has given 15,000 hours of cuddles to sick and premature babies

Church workers have helped more than 1.2 million Ukrainians during the war, Caritas says

Parishes unite for Logan deanery family festival this Sunday

It’s contemporary indigenous art using symbolism that is traditional. It’s a totally different method of creating indigenous artwork.

How did you come to be chosen for the design of the vestment project?

I was recommended by my cousin – Shara Delaney who at the time was unable to complete the project herself. Ms Delaney designed the artwork for Brisbane Archdiocese’s Reconciliation Action Plan.

We studied together at ACU (Australian Catholic University) – we studied business. We formed a friendship and have always been in contact over the years and had both started doing our own art and had almost been on a journey together.  And then we found out two years ago that we were related.

Tell me more about your work as an artist? 

I create bold contemporary pieces that make people feel joy and connection. My artworks are a unique expression. Each work is guided by a deep sense of empathy towards my cultural heritage and family history, and invites unity and healing through the unique combination of culture and contemporary vision. 

More personally, important symbols are the people gathering (concentric circles with three lines between them) because they reflect unity and moving forward. I want to invite my work into the homes and businesses of non-Indigenous people, and promote understanding of the symbols, stories and meaning in Aboriginal culture so together we can create a united future for all Australians.

I have an office stationery and supplies business called Gulbari, which means emu in Bidjara language. I’m in the process of doing a complete stationery range. Education is big for me, so my goal at the moment is to get my work on stationary and office supplies.

Tell me about your Catholic connections? I believe you attended Stuartholme College, Toowong?

I am an alumnae of Stuartholme. There were key people in my life that were practicing Catholics and I watched them go to Mass every week.  I also had very good relationships with Sr Genevieve Bannon and Sr Rita Carroll who were a bit part of my life at Stuartholme and are still a big part of my life today. They are the most gracious, loving people that I have ever known and I am grateful I still have them both in my life.

ShareTweet
Previous Post

‘It is hell; please tell the world’ – testimony from Pauline Fathers evacuated from Mariupol

Next Post

This Lent, let us show unity with Ukraine through prayer, fasting for peace

Mark Bowling

Mark is the joint winner of the Australian Variety Club 2000 Heart Award for his radio news reporting in East Timor, and has also won a Walkley award, Australia’s most-respected journalism award. Mark is the author of ‘Running Amok’ that chronicles his time as a foreign correspondent juggling news deadlines and the demands of being a husband and father. Mark is married with four children.

Related Posts

Gwen has given 15,000 hours of cuddles to sick and premature babies
QLD

Gwen has given 15,000 hours of cuddles to sick and premature babies

20 May 2022
Church workers have helped more than 1.2 million Ukrainians during the war, Caritas says
World

Church workers have helped more than 1.2 million Ukrainians during the war, Caritas says

18 May 2022
Parishes unite for Logan deanery family festival this Sunday
QLD

Parishes unite for Logan deanery family festival this Sunday

17 May 2022
Next Post
This Lent, let us show unity with Ukraine through prayer, fasting for peace

This Lent, let us show unity with Ukraine through prayer, fasting for peace

Consultations start in lead up to Synod of Bishops

Have your voice heard for Synod of Bishops before submissions close

The joy of hobbits is found in the story of Christ

The joy of hobbits is found in the story of Christ

Popular News

  • Here are the stories of 10 new saints being canonised this Sunday

    Here are the stories of 10 new saints being canonised this Sunday

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Fr Liam receives bravery medal after shark attack rescue

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Queensland election: The pro-life political parties committed to abortion law reforms

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Br Alan Moss remembered for a life of faith and learning

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Parishes unite for Logan deanery family festival this Sunday

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
Search our job finder
No Result
View All Result

Latest News

Gwen has given 15,000 hours of cuddles to sick and premature babies
QLD

Gwen has given 15,000 hours of cuddles to sick and premature babies

by Joe Higgins
20 May 2022
0

BRISBANE grandmother Gwendoline Grant has clocked up 15,000 hours cuddling and caring for sick and premature babies...

Helping stroke survivors earns Ozcare volunteer national recognition

Helping stroke survivors earns Ozcare volunteer national recognition

20 May 2022
Br Alan Moss remembered for a life of faith and learning

Br Alan Moss remembered for a life of faith and learning

19 May 2022
Catholic relationship advisers offer five tips to look after your mental health

Nationwide rosary event happening for Australia’s patroness this Saturday

19 May 2022
Francis offers advice on politics: Seek unity, don’t get lost in conflict

Francis offers advice on politics: Seek unity, don’t get lost in conflict

19 May 2022

Never miss a story. Sign up to the Weekly Round-Up
eNewsletter now to receive headlines directly in your email.

Sign up to eNews
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Contribute
  • Jobs
  • Subscribe

The Catholic Leader is an Australian award-winning Catholic newspaper that has been published by the Archdiocese of Brisbane since 1929. Our journalism seeks to provide a full, accurate and balanced Catholic perspective of local, national and international news while upholding the dignity of the human person.

Copyright © All Rights Reserved The Catholic Leader
Accessibility Information | Privacy Policy | Archdiocese of Brisbane

The Catholic Leader acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the First Peoples of this country and especially acknowledge the traditional owners on whose lands we live and work throughout the Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • QLD
    • Australia
    • Regional
    • Education
    • World
    • Vatican
  • Features
  • Opinion
  • Life
    • Family
    • Relationships
    • Faith
  • Culture
  • People
  • Subscribe
  • Jobs
  • Contribute

Copyright © All Rights Reserved The Catholic Leader

0
    0
    Your Cart
    Your cart is emptyChoose another Subscription
    Continue Shopping