Blair Angelo hopes to learn as much as he will teach about pottery making in Vanuatu.
The 61-year-old will head to the island later this week for about 10 days to help with recovery efforts after the devastating Cyclone Pam in March this year.
“The Pacific Islanders are our neighbours, and we need to be helping much more,” Mr Angelo says. “We’re so wealthy and they’ve got so little. We see Vanuatu simply as a resort and I’m keen to look past that.”
The Bacchus Marsh artist will be holding pottery classes in Malekula. He refuses to praise his own efforts, insisting instead there’s nothing grandiose about donating money and time to help people who are less fortunate.
Mr Angelo worked as an integration aide at a high school for most of his life. A few years ago, he decided to abandon the steady job and income to follow his dreams.
“Our education system is lacking,” he says. “We tend to be very intellectual and academic, using computers and words but, for some of us, learning is a hands-on experience – and engaging with clay is just what we need.
“It’s a very therapeutic thing to get into because it teaches you patience, process and self-understanding.”
Mr Angelo is no stranger to humanitarian work. He’s travelled to Third World countries, worked with communities in central Australia and visits prisons a few times a month to teach pottery-making.
“My belief system is that you should be giving and participating in life. You should be leaving life with more than just your footprints.”
Mr Angelo is hoping to take some seeds to Vanuatu for locals to grow their own plants.
Details: facebook.com/darleycommunityartgarden
