Very aware of the pressures on the environment in modern times, Billy illustrates in this image the importance of “ur wayai” the “incoming tide”. Ur wayai brings food for all the islands inhabitants. As the tide rises slowly, covering the mangrove roots, some of the local wildlife emerge to look for food. First the crabs and small fish appear: a delicacy for herons and oyster catchers. As the tide continues to rise a hammer head shark chases a stingray which in turn came in to feed on the small fish. A sea eagle and frigate birds scan the surface in hope of an easy meal, followed by the turtle and dugong at high tide. Ur wayai provides for the fishermen too, feeding the people of the Torres Strait as it has for countless generations. “We sometimes forget that this takes place every day and we must do all we can to protect our environment!”
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Billy Missi came from Maluilgal country in Zenadh Kes (Western Torres Strait). An award winning artist, Billy grew up in the traditional ways and practices of the Torres Strait. With English as his fourth language, Billy strived to keep the languages of the Torres Strait alive, talking whenever possible in his native tongue. He was a respected natural teacher, as were his father and grandfather before him, and had inherited their passion for passing down Torres Strait culture through storytelling, songs, dance and art. He became interested in drawing and painting at an early age and he developed these skills to produce linocuts which are now held in prestigious international collections including the Victoria and Albert Museum (U.K). His artworks reflect the environment and traditional practices which take place on and around the beautiful reefs and islands of the Torres Strait.