A journey into art that began as a therapeutic response to a brother's passing has helped shape the inspiring story behind the artist of Walyalup’s 2024 Indigenous Jumper.
Artist Daniel McHenry, who shares a deep family connection with Club legend and fellow jumper designer Michael Johnson, created Walyalup’s 2024 Indigenous Jumper with inspiration drawn from his family's roots, his Indigenous culture, and his late brother, who was instrumental in encouraging him to pursue his passion for art.
The Walyalup Football Club will wear the Johnson-McHenry design against Euro-Yroke (St Kilda) and Collingwood over the upcoming Sir Doug Nicholls Rounds.
The design process carried significant meaning for McHenry, who described seeing his creation for the first time as a Club jumper as “surreal”.
"To know that I did it three months ago, and now to have it in my hands, is pretty surreal. It means a lot,” McHenry said.
Reflecting on the emotional journey behind the jumper, McHenry shared that his late brother's encouragement was a turning point in his life, inspiring him to channel his creativity into artwork that resonates with his Indigenous heritage, as well as being part of his healing process following his brother's passing.
“When my brother first passed away… I started doing a few little bits of art here and there and a few people started to see it,” McHenry said.
“He was actually the reason I got into doing my art.
“A few weeks before he passed away he gave me a pencil case with some paints in there and asked me if I could do him a painting.
“I didn’t see it as a business opportunity. It was something for me that was therapy to get through stuff and tell a story about how I was feeling without words.”
McHenry's art journey has seen him grow a platform for sharing his culture and story to the next generations.
"It's been my way of getting through things,” McHenry said as he reflected on his journey.
“To now have the opportunity to come into schools, work with kids and do workshops is the sort of thing that money really can't pay for."
As McHenry looks ahead to game day when the players will adorn his art, he knows the moment will be bittersweet but profoundly meaningful.
"I think I'll be looking at the sky thanking my brother for the moment, and enjoying the moment that we got because they can slip away really fast sometimes," he said.
“My brother was a big Fremantle supporter as well… so I know he will be there watching over us as well (on gameday).”
The jumper is a tribute to his family, his late brother, and the rich Indigenous culture.
“It’s sort of a family tree and where the seed was planted with Nan and Pop getting married in the Wheatbelt before moving to Quairading,” McHenry said.
“Out of all the artwork I’ve done this is probably the first time I’ve been able to tell my own story.
“I’ve been a Freo supporter since day one, so to be able to tell my story through a Club that I love and have supported my whole life is surreal.”