By Danielle Kutchel
Ten-year-old Nuha Azam, from Cranbourne North, has been an artist from a very young age.
Her mother, Shakara, said she has been drawing since the age of three.
Nuha’s early childhood teacher told Shakara that her daughter would have a “bright future” with her talents – and those words have turned out to be prophetic.
Nuha has just won a state drawing competition for the third year in a row, and her colourful artwork now adorns the content of multiple government agencies.
Nuha was named as one of the Victorian winners of the National Child Protection Week art competition, and received a certificate and prize for her artistic endeavours.
She also won in 2019 and 2020.
This year, Nuha’s entry depicts what she wants a happy and safe neighbourhood to look like, with a hospital for doctors to be able to quickly save people’s lives, a library to borrow books, schools and shops within walking distance, a play centre, parks and diverse families all talking and playing together.
Her poster was featured prominently during National Child Protection Week – from 5-11 September – on the social media and websites of organisations like Aruma, Banyule Community Health, the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation, Centacare Catholic Family Services and more.
Shakara said she was incredibly proud of her daughter’s achievement.
“It is a very proud moment that she is helping organisations and agencies across Australia.
“We did not know this simple drawing could support such a big thing.”
Over the years she has seen Nuha’s work grow in expression and technique.
“She puts so much colour and meaning in them,” Shakara said.
Nuha said she takes inspiration from the world around her.
“I think first, then I look at some real pictures or images and then I make a masterpiece,” Nuha said.
“It’s a hobby for me. I like doing it because when I draw I like to do what’s in my brain and put it on a piece of paper, because I like to show my mum what I drew and she gets really happy.”
She hopes to be a doctor when she grows up but would also like to try selling her art on the side.
Nuha’s art can be viewed at https://www.napcan.org.au/art-activity/
