About Uncle Sooty Welsh.
Uncle Kevin ‘Sooty’ Welsh is a Wayilwan Elder and artist based in Coonamble, north-western NSW. Uncle Sooty’s hand built ceramic pots and objects are inspired by cultural objects and the natural environment. His markings, etched into the clay, are linked to the designs carved into trees by his Wayilwan Ancestors.
Uncle Sooty is a member of the Stolen Generation. He was removed from his family and taken away from his Country when he was four years old. When he returned to his hometown of Coonamble as a young adult, he reconnected with his family and culture and found his voice as an artist.
“From time to time I’ve had problems with depression, but when I make art then those things aren’t there. I’m always trying to get other people to participate, because I know that it’s good for your health. ”
Accomplishments
2019 Outback Archies Art Prize
2019 SOUTHEAST Aboriginal Arts Markets, Carriageworks
2020 ‘Linear Nation’ exhibition at Koskela
2020 ‘Scarred’ solo exhibition, Outback Arts Gallery
2020 SOUTHEAST Aboriginal Arts Markets Online, Carriageworks
2021 ‘Unsettled’ exhibition by the Australian Museum
2021 SOUTHEAST Aboriginal Arts Markets Online, Carriageworks
2021 ‘Mosses to Marshes’ exhibition as Cultural Advisor and Elder Consultation
2022 National Indigenous Arts Market, Sydney
2022 SOUTHEAST Aboriginal Arts Markets, Carriageworks
2022 ‘Continuum’ exhibition, Jam Factory Adelaide
2022 Artist presentation, Australian Ceramics Triennale, Alice Springs
2023 National Indigenous Arts Market, Sydney
2023 Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Co-operative
2023 Sydney Ceramics Markets, Carriageworks