Talan Mossman is a quietly spoken, humble young man but his art speaks loudly of his passion and talent.
From the community of Yarrabah, around 40 minutes from Cairns behind a mountain range along a beautiful coastline, he is currently a boarder at NRL Cowboys House and attends year 10 at Kirwan State High School in Townsville.
He has an undeniable talent for modern art and has been awarded a boost to help pursue his dreams to become a professional artist in the future – named as a recipient of the $2000 Young, Black and Proud Scholarship (YBPS).
Talan said he was excited to put the funds towards purchasing new supplies that would help him improve and expand his artistic craft.
“I have a very big passion for art,” Talan said.
“I like to do all types of art, like painting with watercolours, sketching, and I really like modern digital art,” he said.
“My mum is really happy for me because this is probably the biggest achievement I’ve had with my art; I’ve only won a few small contests before this.
“The scholarship means a lot because it will help me buy an iPad, Apple Pencil and some drawing programs for my digital art, as well as some new paints, canvases, frames and hopefully an easel.”
Talan has recently started an Instagram page to share his art journey and has been selected for a commissioned artwork for an NRL Cowboys House partner organisation.
The YBPS program supports and celebrates the talents and strengths of young Indigenous Australians who exhibit outstanding promise in areas of arts, education and training, or sports.
NRL Cowboys House breaks down the barrier of distance for over 100 young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander boys and girls from 26 remote communities to access secondary education in Townsville.
Talan is involved in the House art program and is an art student at his high school. He was supported to lodge an application for the scholarship by House education staff.
NRL Cowboys House General Manager Rochelle Jones said it was all part of the wrap-around model that helped all boarders truly flourish.
“Our team works individually with each of our students to help them embrace their passions and strive for their dreams,” Rochelle said.
“It’s not easy for them to leave their home, family and community so we make sure we provide a culturally safe and supportive environment where they feel encouraged to reach their full potential.
“It’s wonderful to see Talan’s love for art shining through and we know there are great things ahead for him whatever he chooses to do in the future.”
This YBPS round was made possible thanks to the support of the Queensland Family and Child Commission (QFCC).
