Storytelling is a big part of Aboriginal culture. We connect with one another through song, dance and art. Passing down lore and knowledge over the generations. By sharing information, we learn about our connection to country and cultural practices. Being able to engage with community through art brings me meaning and joy. I teach culture to my daughter through art and storytelling. I show her the symbols, the colours, the meanings. How to paint her story. It is important to share this knowledge for future generations. Through the BFX Indigenous Collection I hope to share my people’s culture and show the rich heritage of the land we live on.
Winuganya
"Listening"
This artwork highlights the long history of First Nations people in the country. Hundreds of languages were spoken amongst our people, passing down lore, culture, and knowledge over the generations. By sharing information, we learn about our connection to country, land and sea and cultural practices. This occurred naturally through ceremonies, songs, and stories, by listening, observing, and participating. The oval shapes in this painting represent the different clans, communities and people, all similar but different. The smaller circles represent significant places. The sandy colour is for sand, the grey gumtrees, brown trees and deep red brown mother earth. Together they also show the diversity within our communities.
Giluma-jin Yari-nya
"Yarning Circles"
This artwork represents people coming together, sharing knowledge, and strengthening relationships. Storytelling is a big part of Aboriginal culture. We connect with one another through song, dance and art that talk about our customs, practices, protocols, and histories. Our youth look up to the older generations, specifically our Elders. We are guided by them and our Ancestors. This shapes our cultural identities. Our people have always cared for Country through cultural practices and it is important to share this knowledge for future generations. The large circles represent Giluma-jin Yari-nya (Yarning Circles) and the ‘U’ shapes are the people gathering around them. The smaller circles represent people, family and significant places. The vibrant colours reflect the colours of the Saltwater Country and texture reflects our lands and water.
Dabilbahnba
"Saltwater Country"
Dabilbahnba “Saltwater Country” represents our special connection to country. For thousands of years, we’ve passed down knowledge and cultural practices to care for the environment as we adapt to its changes. I maintain my relationship with country by going back to Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) to visit family or going to significant places across the island. I feel rejuvenated when I go to the beach and connecting with nature contributes to my wellbeing. This painting shows the many layers of the Saltwater Country. The waves, ripples and water flowing in the colours of the coastal areas. The hatching and dot work are representative of different coastal elements within the coastal area while white paint shows our spiritual connection.
