So much so he was commissioned to paint the feature Indigenous artwork for the foyer of Southern Cross Care’s new residential aged care home.

“I was very flattered,” Ricky said.

Manager Carol Shambrook approached Southern Cross Care employee and Rickie’s mum, Lyn Gilbert, and asked if Rickie would be interested.

“I was thrilled to do it,” Rickie said.

“The piece took a full year to complete along with a few other pieces I’m working on.”

Named Southern Cross Dreaming, the painting is based on the creation period.

“It’s tells the story of how we gained the stars that form the Southern Cross,” Rickie said.

“There are various other morals throughout the story which is printed on a plaque next to the painting.

Now living and studying art in Canberra, the 33-year-old was born and raised in Parkes.

“I moved to Canberra to do a Certificate II in Indigenous Art,” he said.

“I finished that at the end of last year.

“I’ll do Certificate IV next I think. I’m still tossing up because there is so much choice. I’d really like to do some screen printing and glass blowing.”

Rickie has been creating Indigenous artworks since he was a teenager.

He is self taught and spent countless hours painting at home.

Now an adult, Rickie likens painting to meditation.

“It’s very therapeutic,” he said. “If it’s not therapeutic, there is no point doing it.”

Rickie is aiming to feature his artwork in an exhibition this year. “For me it is all about preserving culture and make my own mark,” he said.