PLANNING AND PREPARATION

These are words that I never use together when talking about my art and how I work as an artist. 

There is no process of creating a painting for me.  What usually happens, is I will get this urge to paint and I'll go to the shop and buy a canvas.  

From there, the picture paints itself.  Most people would be horrified by this notion. "You don't plan your artwork?"

"You don't do a sketch or an outline, so you have some idea of what you are going to paint?"

No I don't do these things. 

When I was introduced to the concept of an art journal, it was my turn to be mortified.  "What for?" I thought, as I stared at the blank page before me.  

The canvas is my visual and spiritual diary.  It is my tool for learning of my ancestors, my history my past, my present and my future all rolled out before me. 

I have no control over what goes into a painting. 

The only thing I control is the physical aspect of it.  The preparation of the canvas and the mixing of the colours. 

Everything else is as it should be.  It is an instinct - a knowing. 

Sometimes I am left confused about why I used a certain colour or why I incorporated a particular symbol into a painting, but then I realise it is not for me to question - it is for me to learn from the stories and legends that are being presented to me. 

These lessons are not always revealed straight away. 

I still have paintings that I painted years ago that I don't know the exact meaning of.  

I quite often sit and look at them (for long periods of time) trying to figure it out.  Then a feeling comes over me as if to say, "In time, all will be revealed." 

That's when I know that there are other life lessons that I need to learn before I get to fully understand or appreciate the stories contained within the artwork. 

Spirit Country

"Spirit Country" is one of the paintings where the story is revealed to me long after it has been painted.  

I completed this painting in 2002. 

However it wasn't until June 2011 that I realised where the place was.  

Our eldest son went on a school camp and I had the pleasure of being asked to come and talk with the students about culture and to share the stories of some of my paintings and read some of my poetry to them.  

I had never been to this particular place before.

Imagine my surprise when I realised that right before me, was a place of cultural significance that I had captured in one of my paintings! 

I stood on the river bank and looked to the left - the smaller Sandy Creek that runs into the larger stream of Lolworth Creek. 

It resonated deep within me.  I was standing right here!

It was just like coming home.  The spirits seemed to rise up from the ground to greet me.  The water spirits danced, the birds sang cheerily and the sun shone brightly. 

I was home back out on country. 

My ancestral country - the home of the Kudjala people and my family group the Mgulaki Clan.

I couldn't have planned for this - only life could have prepared me for this moment.

Therein lies the beauty of my artwork. It flows as freely as the stream that meanders along its path before me. 

I couldn't plan for it - because it just is.

SPIRITUALITY

My definition of spirituality lies deep within.  Every living creature has a spirit. Whether or not a person is in touch with their spirit,  is something that only the individual can be totally honest about.  It is not something you can lie about to others.

On the odd occassion that I meet someone who  seems to be having a bad day, I am often left wondering why they would deny their spirit the happiness it deserves.  

Life can get you down.  I know this and there was a time in my life where I allowed this to happen. Depression ruled me. 

I have learnt much about myself that I have released old life patterns that were like a cage around my soul.  This isn't living. 

Freedom of spirit is when you can see the joy in every little moment.  To laugh until you cry (which happens so much for me these days).  Blissful moments.  

You can't hide your spirit and how you project it onto the world.  Spirituality is beauty and peace of mind. 

LIFE AND DEATH (MULLIHN MAHN)

Badthi soars high in the sky and swoops low and fast upon his prey.  

Life on the land is harsh and drought is eminent.

Lack of water indicates certain death for livestock.

Badthi is the victor of Mother nature's spoils.

Life & Death (Mullihn mahn)

MY FRIEND KEVIN

I am a true believer, that people come into your life for a reason. It isn't coincidence that brings people together.

Many years ago as a child, my siblings and I attended the local Baptist church. This is how we  met the Kersey family.  I must have only been around 6 or 7 at the time but I remember them well. 

The Kersey's hailed from the USA so in a little outback North Queensland town, their strong American accents alone made them stand out.   

Several years have gone by and every now and again, the Kersey's would come up in conversation between my older siblings when we looked back upon our Sunday School days.  Life goes on.

Then as most people who become connected to the World Wide Web do - I joined Facebook.  There was a page set up for past students who attended my old high school. 

I was scrolling through the names and then one name stood out in particular. Kevin Kersey. 

He posed the question, "Does anyone remember my family the Kersey's?"  Well I couldn't ignore the question, so I wrote back and said, "Yes my family and I remember the Kersey's." 

I wasn't surprised when Kevin said he didn't quite remember our family but that was ok.  We all get caught up in life - that's human nature. 

So Kevin and I started corresponding talking about Charters Towers and his childhood memories of this place.  

It wasn't too long into our friendship that I was to learn that Kevin had been battling with cancer. 

He kept us all updated on his progress through his own Blog.  The one thing that stood out about Kev's Blog, was how his strength shone brightly through his written word. 

I know he wouldn't have been feeling strong but his courage through his words were all too apparent to me. 

Then there came the day, that I was to learn that Kevin and his beautiful wife Roni, were coming to Australia for a visit and they were coming back to Charters Towers. 

I was pleased and proud when they said they would like to pay me a visit and have a look at the paintings that they had heard so much about. 

So I waited with anticipation, the visit from friends of long ago!  Then I had a thought, I would dearly love to give them something to take home with them - but what? 

I literally slapped myself on the forehead when I came to the realisation, "Of course - a painting!"  So I set about doing a painting - just for Kevin and Roni. 

This is how "Freedom of Spirit" came about.  Kevin owned a Harley Davidson which he loved as Harley owners do, so I made the painting about his beloved motorbike.

"Freedom of Spirit"

FREEDOM OF SPIRIT (BERRENGE NAHN)

This painting is a spiritual representation of the sense of peace and freedom you derive from riding your motorcycle

The central and inner circles represent the journey

The two dots in each corner, represent the two of you as you ride along together

The smaller circles at the bottom and at the top represent the wheels and the journey to and from your destination

The smaller dots dark brown and yellow ochre represent all the beauty that you have witnessed as you look in every direction, a far as the eye can see

The blue background represents fresh air and wind "May all your travels happen beneath clear blue skies"

The yellow dots represent the sun in your face

The white dots signify safety and security

The dark brown around the outer edges represents the road under your wheels

The three inner red circles represents the sun set at the end of the day

The black and orange dots represent your beloved Harley Davidson 

 me and Kevin Kersey

 

Roni, me and Kevin

Kevin was deeply touched by my gift and I was glad to be able to do something special for him.  

Sadly, Kevin lost his battle with cancer in December 2010.  

I think he touched my heart so much, because of the conviction of his words.  The least I could do for Kevin, was to share a little of myself and my culture with him.

A short tribute to Kevin and Roni appears in my introduction DVD when I give talks to students and community about my art and my Indigenous heritage.   

COMPASSION, STRENGTH and COURAGE are the three words that come to mind when I think of Kevin Kersey. He and his family came back into my life for a reason - if only to teach me these things.

Rest in Peace Kevin.

 I was honoured to get to know you again - even for a short while. 

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

There is a lot to be said for painting outdoors. It clears the mind of course and allows the creative juices to flow.  

Sitting inside sweating over a canvas does nothing for me.  I feel stifled when I am sitting under a fluro light.

It is so unnatural and plays havoc with my eyes. I guess it also stems from my indigenous heritage.  My ancestors were of the land. Everything evolved around being at one with nature. Sitting under a tree to paint is the most natural thing for me to do. 

Given that I live in North Queensland, Australia the lighting conditions are perfect for working outdoors most days of the year. When it is cloudy I am saddened to be forced indoors to paint. 

My outdoor Art Studio

"Life & Death" 2011

"YOUR PAINTINGS ARE TOO BUSY FOR ME!"

Upon hearing this, I was bemused to say the least. I thought much about these words at the time.

I came to the conclusion that it was because I am not a "Traditional Aboriginal Artist" in my style.

I don't conform to people's impressions or beliefs of what an Indigenous artist should be creating. 

I don't restrict myself to the use of the earthy tones - the browns, the reds, the blacks the ochres.

I love colour and I make no apologies for that. 

I have also been told that my work needs to be "marketable". 

I never was interested in connecting the dollar sign to my paintings.

Afterall, if I were dollar-driven I would have been mass producing my paintings to "fill a need for greed." 

Aboriginal culture is not based upon financial gain.  It is about sharing of the knowledge.  

If I were to place financial gain at the centre of my paintings, they would have no meaning - no dreamtime story. 

I would be lifeless.  My spirit would not be allowed to shine through with every brushstroke.  My art is my contribution to the world. 

These two paintings were the first two paintings I sold as an artist.  

It is so difficult for me to sell one of my paintings because of their cultural significance and my attachement to those stories.

Everything I need to know about my art will be revealed on the canvas through the guidance of my ancestors.

Busy or not - these are my stories to share.

EMU (BOOLUN)

David and Jenny Black Collection

"Emu chick no longer

for he's a daddy emu now

emu chicks behind him

what he knows they will learn how

Emu daddy struts along

in the image of his dad

give credit to his father

'cause that's all he's ever had!"

extract from my poem titled "Daddy Emu" 2005

WEDGE-TAILED EAGLE (BADTHI)

4 circles represent the tribes

4 corner symbols represent tribal elders who speak for country

Wedge-tailed eagle is the spiritual protector of the tribe and its people

Yellow outer dots also represent journey through country as witnessed by Badthi the the wedge-tailed eagle

White and gold inner dots represent the spirit and aura of Badthi as he passes over the land

 Phil and Helen Cook Collection

Dean and Robyn Jackson Collection (Commissioned)

I am pleased with the results of both these paintings.

To me, they have a male feel about them - strong and dominant.  

SECRETS OF THE PAST - (completion stages)

SPIRIT COUNTRY (BALLUN THA)

STORY: This painting represents a spiritual journey through country (Birth, Life, Death)

The central "Y" shaped area leading from left to right signifies the flow of the natural progressions of life, birth and death

The orange and brown dots within the "Y" shape indicates your mother and father and how their blood flows through you regardless of where your journey takes you through life

The circle at the centre represents life force

The dots with blue highlights represent the spirits that watch over you as you journey through life

BIRTH: is represented at the bottom of the painting as new and flourishing wild flowers

LIFE: is depicted in the area where the fork appears in the "Y". Many changes and transformations as a person learns and grows.  Life is multi-faceted with many teachings 

DEATH: is illustrated at the top - ceremonial. Th black dots in this section indicates sorrow and sadness. A mortal life complete.   

SACRED SPRING (MURRANAH)

STORY: Ceremony at Sacred Spring, depicts ceremonial and tribal business taking place.  This is a fertility painting.

Large blue circle at centre represents the Sacred Spring

The 2 smaller blue circles represent family

The face-like symbols around the edge are symbolic of smaller, impish water spirits

The green circles represent ceremony, life cycles and seasonal changes

Yellow represents sunlight and life

The 4 brown symbols represent tribal people asking the water spirit to replenish the land

Pink and purle dots indicate female influence and the presence of a female water spirit

Yellow, red and orange dots indicate that water, air and sunshine radiate the life force of all creation upon earth

Gifted to family member

TOTEM OF THE FRILL-NECKED LIZARD (BALLINGEE)

STORY: This painting represents Ballingee and his dreaming

The 2 red circles (top and bottom) indicates 2 tribes

The circle in the centre of the 2 red circles represent Ballingee's spirit and how it is considered sacred

The brown and orange dots (on the left and right running from top to bottom) represent ceremonial markings

The smaller dots orange, black and brown indicates ballingee's journey through the sacred country of the 2 tribes

The 2 circles that look like eyes, shows Ballingee is all-seeing

Ballingee is sacred and would never be used as a source of food or adornment by either of the 2 tribes

These 2 tribes are the keepers of Ballingee's spirit which is honoured through sacred ceremony

The many dots black, red and brown represent Ballingee's frilled neck

The various other dots represent tribal people (men, women, children) and their journey through their respective country to attend ceremony

To inherit Ballingee's spirit is to be blessed with his speed

MODERN DAY MEETING

STORY: This painting puts a contemporary spin on the ancient traditions of the meeting place. Once we met out under the trees, we now congregate around conference tables in board rooms to discuss our business.

The 4 round circles in each corner represent the country for which we speak.

The 3 joined circles at the top and the bottom of the painting represents the distinct difference between who speaks for which country in the north, the south, the east and the west.

The central piece in the middle is the table. On this day there were 5 points of discussion thus the 5 red circles on the table

On either side of the table are 4 seats for the attendees with 2 seats at the end for the heads of the meeting

The dark single line represents that we are all at the meeting for a common cause and anticipate a favourable outcome

The different colours represent the difference in the landscape of where each participant is from. Yellow - sandy region, dark brown - hilly, light brown - flat plain land, green - scrub lands

"Barrett Family" Private Collection

CROCODILE CREATION (MIRRINDI)

STORY: A tribute to the survivial of the crocodile and its ability to withstand the test of time. To inherit the crocodile spirit is to be fierce in strength.  With few natural enemies, the crocodile is free to swim its chosen waterways where it deserves to be respected and feared.  This is a fertility painting.


The two crocodiles are females with their eggs, which they laid on opposite sides of the riverbank

The dark brown and black represents the silt and mud of the river

The 6 large circles in the middle of the waterway (3 in the upper left and 3 in the lower right) represents the water spirits that watch over the crocodile and their young

The 3 symbols that surround each crocodile are totemic representations as it relates to the story above

The 2 three-pointed yellow symbols along with the large circle in the centre represent fertility

THE WEDDING

STORY: This painting depicts a tribal wedding ceremony.

Left hand side: lines, circles and dots represent the bride's totems and tribal markings

Right side: lines, circles and dots represents the groom's totems and tribal markings

Snake symbol at top belongs to the woman

Snake symbol at the bottom belongs to the man

Four symbols (1 in each corner) represents 4 male elders of the tribe overseeing proceedings

Large circle at the centre represents the ceremonial ground

As with every culture, a very festive and joyous occassion