Samu Stewart (Wuthathi Country, FNQLD and Mabuiag Island,Torres Straits) Samu is in Year 9 and is a talented maker, craftsman, and artist with a passion for creating by hand. Whether sculpting, stitching, welding, carving, or building, he enjoys transforming upcycled and natural materials into functional pieces, antique-inspired replicas, and traditional tools and weaponry. Alongside his craftsmanship, Samu is also an accomplished illustrator and painter, with his artistic talent showcased throughout this year's exhibition. Samu enjoys hunting, fishing, cooking, and making as ways of strengthening his connection to Country, culture, and community. He loves sharing his skills with friends and classmates and is always eager to learn more about bushcraft, traditional knowledge, and living from the land. Samu's distinctive black-and-white artworks are inspired by the striking contrasts often seen in Torres Strait Islander art. He also incorporates traditional Aboriginal symbols, as featured in his piece Community Belonging, celebrating identity, connection, and culture. This year, he is especially proud of his series featuring sea turtles—an important totem and treasured sea creature for his family.
