Bulli local Jack Miller Hendry is a youth worker but his true passion is street art.
Accompanied by his trusty Kelpie, Ozzie, Jack has brought his passion for art to Wollongong, aiming to introduce a new generation of style.
“I don’t want to work at a job where my talents are wasted,” Jack said. “I’m trying to provoke thought when people look at my murals.”
Jack grew up south of Wollongong in Moruya; his mum has been collecting his drawings since he was two. Art runs in the family – his mum owns a cleaning business but is also a landscape painter and a graphic designer.
“It’s just kind of in the blood,” Jack said.
Jack has dyslexia, which he believes influenced his artistic journey, guiding him towards art. The unique way he perceives patterns enhances his creativity, leading to captivating and original work.
On leaving school, Jack moved to Lismore to attend Southern Cross University, where he studied visual arts. It was there that he truly embraced street art, learning how to spray paint and taking part in a warehouse project where he and friends covered the place in art murals. He moved to Wollongong in 2020.
Jack now plays a role in keeping Bulli beautiful with his murals, which he believes help deter young vandals.
“Artistically, there’s just not that much to do, they're sick of the blank wall,” Jack said.
“If you paint something nice on it rather than just covering it up, people will be less likely to vandalise it.”
At PCYC Bulli, a charity dedicated to helping local youth, Jack was given free rein and over three days he created an eye-catching sport-inspired design on their building.
“The mural is amazing”, says Gina Holland, senior activity officer at PCYC Bulli.
"PCYC loves Jack and loves the work he does."
After seeing his work at PCYC Bulli, I met Jack at the train station for a tour taking in his local work. These include a series of fence murals showcasing various styles, from cartoons to American traditional murals. Jack's work, featuring story scenes, pop-culture icons, and depictions of his dog, has brightened up the neighbourhood.
For now, Jack will keep painting as much as he can, in the hope that one day he can make it a full-time career.
“I want to get people to appreciate the art and coat Wollongong as much as I can,” Jack said.
To commission a mural for your business, home or charity, contact Jack via Facebook or Instagram. To check out Jack’s Warehouse project from a few years ago, check out video on YouTube.
