Jason Ridgeway

Jason is a proud Dunghutti man, living and working on country. He was born and bred in the Macleay Valley, with the majority of both sides of his family being from Burnt Bridge and Bellbrook.

 

While Jason has no formal artist training, he grew up watching his Uncles paint and draw. He has always enjoyed sketching and drawing with pencils, but did not start painting until about 12 years ago. When he picked up a paint brush, memories of his childhood spent with his Uncles came flooding back. He has adapted their style of art to carry on their legacy.

 

Jason is inspired by his local Dreamtime stories that he now incorporates into his own style. He also draws inspiration from stories that were passed down to him by his grandparents and their siblings. He also creates artworks from his own personal experiences and memories created with his wife and children.

 

Jason and his wife also own and operate Yapang-Ya Café, located on the TAFE campus in Kempsey. They use and infuse local and non-local native herbs and spices to create some amazing tasty foods for everyone to enjoy.

 

He also works for Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation, taking art programs into a few schools around the Macleay. These programs are based on communication and getting the kids involved in art making and sharing their own stories through art.