"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