Australian Aborigines are still producing cave art; especially is this true in areas where initiated Aborigines have access to their traditional land. Certain families & clans even have the duty to renew certain art as it is needed; sometimes as a religious act. Australian Aborigines have since time memorial considered ourselves to be custodians of our land. A much mistaken idea of many non-aboriginal Australian is that Aborigines want to "own" as much land as possible. In fact, it is impossible for us to "own" land. According to our traditional beliefs the land owns us. Therefore as custodians & caretakers it is our responsibility to look after & conserve all Cave art located on our traditional lands. Our family still has access to much of the land of which we historically have had custodianship. We therefore check on caves regularly and are very involved with the work of protecting our art. Note only does this involve getting protection orders (& getting them upheld) on sites, but erecting fences where we have permission too & even raising money to purchase land outright. (For more detail see Our Policies.) Some who have enjoyed this site & the free information we provide have asked if they can help with our conservation work. Therefore I have made a provision here for those who may wish to do so. Voluntary donations can be placed in box.
Modern cave art Paintings
Cave Paintings - Custom & Conservation
Also including on this page are some example of modern art inspired by Cave art. All these products are featured in other sections of our products, but I thought you might like to see them together. The stories of the paintings will answer many questions you might have about Cave Art. Click to enlarge.
Stenciled Hands - Note from the artist " I always enjoy replicating cave drawings. Cave paintings have been done by millenniums by our peoples. They have a number of meanings from the spiritual to the secular depending on their location. Sometimes just the act of drawing was in itself considered significant. Sometimes what is so amazing when you consider the location of some of these paintings and the materials which were available to make them with is that they were able to be made at all. Certainly art was important to our ancestors. Koori people today are justly proud of our past, and also proud that our artwork is getting the attention today that it deserves. I hope my efforts contribute in some small way to achieving this. I would encourage anyone who can to personal visit our cave art sites. Measurements are 18.5in (47cm) x 15.5 (40cm) Artist is T. Terry" This professional framed painting (with framing & materials designed by the artist has been displayed at regional galleries in N.S.W. Details are watercolour on paper, includes a story signed by the artist. Postage will be added later depending on your destination.
Cave Hunting - " Water colour pencil is the perfect medium to copy this ancient stencilled style used Australia wide. Depending on it’s location, whether at a sacred site or a regular campsite the figures had different meanings. Stencilled animal and hunting instrument figures can be found in both locations. The richness of culture and beauty of Aboriginal Rock Art (as well as its great antiquity) is being appreciated more and more by people earth wide. Rock Art is of special interest to younger Aborigines as we are able at last to take full pride in the rich cultural heritage which is ours." Painting is unframed. Size = A4. Comes complete with signed story by artist.
Cave Fire - This early painting by T.Terry is a favourite of hers. The original was sold some time ago, but she has made prints available of it. Here is the inspiration in her own words:- " Painting to decorate camp sites was often done. This piece is in memory of that practice. Hand stencils signified that the person was in their ‘home country was at oneness with the land, & had guardian rights over it. Frequently paintings were done on top of paintings which were done on top of earlier paintings. In fact at times the act of painting was considered more significant than the medium used or even the subjects, scene depicted or the location of the Art. This painting attempts to recreate the multi-layered effect found at some locations.. The beauty of our Rock Art is being appreciated world wide as never before and is a great source of pride for younger Aboriginal."
