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My Beautiful Mountain - acrylic on canvas The mountain depicted is of course Mt Wellington in Hobart. Anyone who visits Hobart is impressed with its beauty and sheer majesty as it rises right out of the banks of the Derwent River to a height of over 5,000ft. In winter it is covered with snow; a real treat in Australia. As a very young child I lived on the lower slopes of the mountain. Later I lived with a view of Mt. Wellington at our back door. Walking to school gave one a most magnificent view of the mountain, which again was visible from my primary school. Mt Wellington has made a lasting impression on me and though I now live thousands of kilometres away my memories of my beautiful mountain are as clear as ever. Obviously my beloved mountain was something I wanted to paint. As an artist I can perhaps share a humorous story about this painting. Inspiration came to me one day for what I though would be a simple afternoon’s work. Well….several days later, my painting was finally finished. My dress making friends could share some stories of my “simple” dress patterns that the seamstress had to finish off! As I have often stated Tasmanian love pretty colours - this painting is an excellent example of that. Some of you may find this style of Aboriginal art new to you - though it is traditional. Mt. Wellington is shown with its main ridges and topped with snow. I put my soul into this painting and I hope you enjoy it.
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Preminghana in Blue - water colour on paper A modern painting with a very ancient theme; by a proud Tasmanian.
What at first glance may appear to be random patterns at closer study is revealed to be a copy of the famous ancient engravings of my people at Preminghana (previously known as Mt Cameroon West). These are considered, by many, to be the nicest rock marking in Australia; & one of the nicest and oldest in the world. Of course I can only agree. Blue is a particularly favourite colour of Aboriginals in in general although rarely able to be used until European times. When modern paints became available it was widely used and is still used Australia wide.
Porcupine Spikes - water colour pencil with acrylic paint on paper,
“Porcupine spikes, burn like heat of fire……” is how a European translated the beginning of a sad lament that was composed near Sydney and sung in dozens of local languages in the 1800’s as Aboriginals watched their entire extended families suffer and die from smallpox knowing they themselves would probably die next.
Let Us Not Forget - “Those who can not remember the past are condemned to repeat it” George Santana, 1863 - 1952
Many of my paintings are inspired by poems or stories. Water colour pencil seemed the best medium to create the basis of the affect I was after. Acrylic pain finished the task. I often combine the two. The history of Aboriginal Art is to use whatever is on hand, improvise, and create new styles and materials as these are discovered. I can do no better.
Koori Forever - Artist Tassie Terry tells the story "How does one depict what it means to be Aboriginal today? We have been here for thousands of years; today is just a dot in history. This painting shows from the beginning of creation into eternity. The main ancestral beings forming the features of the earth are depicted. Fire & all the other elements are shown. The sun is reflected in the water which also reflects a female reflection of the man & boys showing them to be equals. The spirals of eternity connect the past with the present & the future. The symbols used are common symbols every Koori person in Australia would understand & relate too. This is a simple, uncomplicated painting as I intended it to be. Size, paint & canvas were also deliberately chosen on what I thought was the most common for modern-day Aboriginal artists."
The Wonder of Wax & Fire This is the story the goes with it. "This painting was quite literally made with fire! I was encouraged to try my hand at some encaustic art by enthusiasts who were determined to get an aboriginal involved in their hobby. Later, I thought these small paintings could form the basis of a larger piece. Fire was an element & a totally essential part of the life of my people. Flames of fire, with their brightness & beauty are despicted everywhere. Full gloss paint was used to enhance the shine of the encaustics. Insects, such as bees or wasps are involved with the production of wax; so these have not been left out either. Wax was also important being used with didgeridoos & body painting. I have always considered wax itself to be a great art medium; so I finished the painting with melted wax. Fire inspired this painting; and is the essence of it.
Reconciliations - mixed mediums on water colour paper, This picture illustrates things that all Australians like and admire that help to bring us all together. That is the love of our unique animals and also the appreciation of the art and culture of the original Australians. Platypus are loved by all and certainly different. The clear unpolluted waters of Tasmania are a great place to view them as many tourists are discovering. (Patience is needed.) The rock art is also Tasmanian of course. Hands are a common symbol of reconciliation in Aboriginal art. If you are a little familiar with my art you will know that I often paint in mixed mediums. Blue reminded me of the good clean waters of home. I have been commissioned to paint in blue so obviously I am not the only one who likes it.
In Memory of Simeon - water colour on paper, In memory of a fine, Artist, Aboriginal & human being. The background stands for the desert sands in which he is now sleeping. The symbols are of the caterpillar dreaming stories which feature in the mythology of his people. The spiral of dots and other markings stand for eternity to which he will awaken. Simeon painted his beliefs in his art; and I now do the same. This style is a little different to that which I usually paint. As Simeon was a western desert Aboriginal, I have painted something to which his family could relate.
Australian Aboriginal Stories which Inspire Art
As Aboriginal art has meaning almost all the paintings sold on this site, come with a story. Here is just a sample of few of our stories. Enjoy!
