Dunghutti artist Jason Ridgeway collaborates with The Speaker Project to produce unique canvas

Local Dunghutti artist Jason Ridgeway of Black Boy Creations is no stranger to creating artwork on a variety of unique canvases.

His distinct style can be recognised on local murals, surfboards and on the Sydney Roosters' jerseys for 2021 Indigenous Round. But his recent collaboration with The Speaker Project's founder Atlas Gouverneur is a first.

A one-off set of speakers locally crafted by Mr Gouverneur and bearing Mr Ridgeway's hand-painted designs is now on display, and for sale, at the new Ikigai gallery in Crescent Head.

Mr Ridgeway said there is a story behind the designs.

"Obviously because they're speakers, it was more about bringing people together which you can see on the design," he said.

"There's dancing, there's music playing on the didgeridoo, so it's more bringing people together to enjoy music; and I guess a gathering of sorts."

The collaboration began when Mr Ridgeway visited Mr Gouverneaur's parents' property, Nulla Nulla Blacksmith Farm, where he was painting a piece for Mr Gouverneur's mother.

"We chatted and shared our thoughts and experiences [abou] working on things that bring us joy," Mr Gouverneur said.

"This led to him telling me stories about his culture and ways of life, and how this can be seen in his paintings."

The conversation organically progressed to the idea of Mr Ridgeway painting the exterior of the speakers.

"The idea is symbolic of how music brings people together both in Australian Indigenous culture and other cultures too," Mr Gouverneur said.

"It's the idea that speakers paint music in terms of what we can hear but the outside of the speakers are also painted."

For Mr Ridgeway, plenty of hours have gone into creating the artworks.

He estimates that to paint just one speaker takes between 24 to 30 hours.

"It's a big one to juggle, especially with kids at home," he said. "But it's my downtime, I guess. As soon as I can, I get stuck into painting.

"I love doing it. It's a great motivation and I love seeing the end product."

Mr Ridgeway isn't resting. Another set of hand-painted speakers is expected to be released in December.

The accomplished artist said it was important for young people to see local artists collaborate with other creatives.

"I think it gives kids drive if that's something they're passionate about.

""If they can see somebody like myself collaborating with a big sporting team like the Sydney Roosters or something so unique like The Speaker Project... it inspires them to maybe create something like that as well in their own sort of way."

Mr Gouverneur's The Speaker Project was established to give music lovers the chance to save money by building their own hi-fi system.

He sells the parts along with instructional videos for customers to follow at home.

"I have always felt that building things is such a nice experience," he said. "I see [it] as storytelling."

Alongside providing speaker-building workshops, Mr Gouverneur recognises that not everybody wants to build their speakers.

The Speaker Project also provides already assembled speakers, like those that have been painted by Mr Ridgeway.

Mr Gouverneur is open to collaborating with other artists and is hoping to run a local speaker building course in the future.

IN OTHER NEWS: