As patriarch of a large family consisting of 6 children, over 20 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren, Robert Matheson is no stranger to humanity. A mainly self-taught professional artist, Robert is currently a member of Rosebud Ward (congregation) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, although he travels regularly to visit his expanding family.
One of Robert’s projects, Bush Fire – The CFA at Work which was gifted to the Country Fire Authority, has been highlighted in the local news recently, in connection with Victorian bushfire survivors:
https://pakenham.starcommunity.com.au/news/2020-01-14/art-to-assist-affected-communities/
Renowned for his exquisite small-scale sculptures of Australian flora and fauna, Robert has no fear of producing vibrant large-scale paintings or murals which he often creates in collaboration with school students and community education groups such as the Department of Justice’s young offenders’ program at Living Learning Pakenham.
About his recent experiences Robert comments, “We’ve had some very good wins with the offenders’ painting program. It was a bit daunting at first at the Dandenong Drug Court, but we donated a painting to a group of bikers called MACE (Motorcyclists Advocating Child Empowerment) for their fundraising efforts. They were over the moon with our gift. It was presented by Magistrate Bryant who wants to meet to discuss the future directions of the painting program.”
For more information, please see the Dandenong Journal articles:
https://dandenong.starcommunity.com.au/news/2019-06-25/courting-a-smart-on-crime-approach/
https://dandenong.starcommunity.com.au/news/2019-06-25/welcome-to-drug-court/
Robert’s other recent collaborative projects with the Department of Justice offenders’ program include: a painting of a Melbourne tram which was the first prize in the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Mothers Day raffle; and a 2m x 1m painting framed by Cardinia Men’s Shed attendees: Remembrance, gifted to the RSL (Returned and Services League).
For more information please see Living & Learning Inc - Skills & Wellbeing Centre in Pakenham Facebook page posts at the following hyperlinked dates.