“We’re very proud of her,” Mrs McLennan said.
The budding artist drew inspiration from the renowned Cummeragunja Walk Off when, in 1939, around 200 indigenous Australians including Geraldine Briggs and Margaret Tucker struck out from the Cummeragunja Aboriginal Mission in southern NSW to resettle in the region.
“The journey lines through the middle symbolise moving forward together and gathering to share stories of family, animals and identity,” a message on the rear of the print reads. “The stars are a positive affirmation that every new day is fresh and full of opportunities.”
Mrs McLennan and her granddaughter are related to the celebrated William Cooper. Another member of the family, the late Adam McLennan, Mrs McLennan's second son, was also a noted artist.
“His paintings were unique. Nobody has seen his type of paintings,” Mrs McLennan reflected.
Holly showed promise as an artist from a young age, according to her grandmother.
“Ever since she was a tiny little girl, she had a pencil in her hand, saying, ‘I’m looking for paper, Nan,’ Mrs McLennan said.
“So, Nan would go and buy her reams and reams of A4 and colouring-in pencils and the very first thing she did was a lion. And I thought she took a photo of it.”
While not a local resident, Holly spent nearly every holiday visiting her grandparents in Kyabram while growing up, according to Mrs McLennan, and will be returning next month.
Next month is also when her second print is due to be released by K mart.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the initial lockdown response in Victoria was part of the motivation behind the creation of New Beginnings, Mrs McLennan said. Holly was forced out of work as a hairdresser and hairstylist.
“Because there was no business during the months of lockdown in Melbourne she went back to drawing, so this is how it all started.”
After posting the image to social media, Holly was promptly contacted by an agent — leading to the sudden success of the print.
Kyabram is also now host to the original image after Holly gifted it to her grandmother.
“Her dad was a little bit put out that I got the original, but I said, ‘Don’t worry Darren, you’ll get it down the track,'” Mrs McLennan said.
She also thanked Kyabram K hub employee Kerri Demasi who put aside the last remaining print so it could appear in the associated Free Press photo.
“This will sell as soon as I put it back on the floor,” Ms Demasi said.
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