Regional Arts WA’s Artist of the Month, photographer Halim Mellick, joined Matty Francis on ABC Kimberley Pilbara Mornings this morning for a conversation about his photography and what makes his hometown unique.

A proud Rubibi/Broome boy, Halim reflected on how travel gave him a new appreciation for the place he grew up.

“Everyone is unique; every single person has a really unique perspective of the world,” he said. “Especially up in the Kimberley around Broome, it wasn’t until I explored a bit more of the world that I realised how much of a unique place Broome is.”

“There’s things that you might see every single day that people on the other side of the world would be absolutely fascinated [by], even the ground you walk on, the red dirt. When I go to the Kimberley I see that and that’s what makes me feel home. But when you’re in Broome, what is the red dirt to you? It’s just the ground. But something as simple as the ground can be unique.”

That unique red dirt sure has inspired many artists over the years!

Thanks to Matty Francis and ABC Kimberley Pilbara Mornings for the chat. If you haven’t already, take some time to read our full Artist of the Month feature on Halim; his family history is a poignant read.

As for Halim’s future? “Whatever shot comes my way, I’ll be ready to take it.”

Catch Halim again when he talks with RTRFM Artbeat on 25th October; stay tuned for details.

Listen back to Halim’s interview

Feature image: Halim Mellick at the 2021 AFL grand final. Photo by Jarred Seng.