Being colourblind is not stopping this multicultural artist from creating a rainbow of work that has attracted the eye of Hollywood directors and Japanese royalty.
As a well-loved stallholder at the Eumundi Markets for almost 40 years, Terry Saleh is a storyteller who uses his artistic gift to bring people closer together.
His work is known across the world and has been purchased by Sleepless in Seattle writer Jeff Arch and even a gallery that’s client list includes Donald Trump.
Born in Kokoda in Papua New Guinea and of Malay/Indonesian and Papuan/Indian descent, Mr Saleh has a strong interest in the history and cultures of indigenous peoples throughout the world.
He has a particular passion about the legends and culture of Australia’s First Nations Peoples.
While his main artwork inspiration is Mother Nature, he also connects his work back to mental health and healing through the use of colours and symbols.
Mr Saleh has expressive style of painting and uses a variety of media and techniques to incorporate his traditional multicultural ancestry with contemporary themes.
Having exhibited extensively nationally and internationally, he has sketched, painted and carved onto canvas, skin, paper bark, wood and clay.
He also creates handmade artefacts and instruments such as boomerangs, bull roarers, clap sticks and Yidaki (didgeridoo).
Speaking with Sunshine Coast News, Mr Salah said his art seeks to stir the soul and senses to bring about a higher level of awareness and understanding.
“I am a multicultural, spiritual artist and all my works connect to mother nature,” he said.
“My work is all done by hand, and it goes all over the world.”
Aged almost 70, Mr Saleh said his favourite artwork is one he did of the Coloured Sands at Teewah Beach, which he hoped had preserved some of the area’s traditional story.
“When I saw this place, I could see all the four-wheel drive and people there for a day and I thought the place was going to change over time.
“I wanted to paint something special to remember the legend of the Coloured Sands.”
As a successful Saturday stallholder of the longstanding Eumundi Markets, Mr Saleh said the bi-weekly event was an integral part of the town.
This comes despite recent debate that the markets had outgrown is space at Eumundi and an alternative location should be considered.
“The market it so important and it really brought that town to life,” he said.
“I have people coming up to me from 20 years ago saying, ‘Wow it’s so good you are still here’.
“That market has brought in a lot of international celebrities without people even knowing too.”
As well having his stall every Saturday at Eumundi Markets, Mr Saleh also runs Wantok Multicultural Centre in Old Town Petrie near Petrie.
The centre is a place where visitors can connect with all indigenous cultural experiences worldwide and courage people to share their gifts with the world, no matter their background.
“It makes no difference where you come from. If you’ve got a gift, then you should use. It’s about what you are that you can share.”
Find Mr Saleh every Saturday at Eumundi Market or visit salehart.com.au.
