This is a changing selection of work by Indigenous visual artists based in the Northern Rivers showcasing the quality and diversity of Indigenous visual arts in this region.
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biography
Born Kempsey. NSW., 1970.
education & training
| 1998 | present Exhibition Assistant, Grafton Regional Gallery, Grafton, NSW |
| 1994 | Present Full time practicing Artist – Ceramics |
| 2005 | Certificate Aboriginal Health, Grafton TAFE College, Grafton NSW |
| 2002 | Certificate in Aboriginal Art, Grafton TAFE College, Grafton NSW |
| 1996 | Potters assistant, Nabiac, NSW, Production throwing, Kiln packing and firing, Glazing and glaze mixing, Customer Service |
| 1995 | Drawing Certificate, Grafton TAFE College, Grafton NSW |
| 1991 | – 1993 Associate Diploma in Ceramics, Grafton TAFE, Grafton NSW |
selected group exhibitions
| 2008 | Identity, Grafton Regional Gallery |
| 2006-08 | ConVerge: Northern Rivers Touring Ceramics Exhibition, Touring to thriteen Regional Galleries accross Australia |
| 2005 | Spirit of the Valley / Group Show, Grafton Regional Gallery, Grafton, NSW |
| 2003 | One Mob Our Journey One Future / Group Show Grafton Civic Centre Grafton, NSW |
| 2002 | Casual Powerhouse Arts Centre, Aboriginal Exhibition and Art Award, Mil-Pra AEGG.Inc, Casula, NSW |
| 1995 | Drawing Exhibition / Student Show Grafton TAFE College Grafton, NSW |
| 1993 | Imprints / Ceramics Group ShowGrafton Regional Gallery Grafton, NSW |
| 1992 | Ceramic Perceptions / Group Show, Grafton Regional GalleryGrafton, NSW |
| 1991 | Yamba Contemporary Art Space / Ceramics Group Show, Yamba, NSW |
awards & residencies
| 1999 | Commisioned Artist – Designing a plaque for National Reconciliation Week, Department of Housing Commision, Grafton Office, Grafton NSW |
| 1998 | Community Artist, Designer for Spring Street Mural, New School of Arts, South Grafton |
| 2003 | Certificate of Appreciation, Community Services, Grafton, NSW |
| 1995 | Special Achievement Award, Grafton TAFE College, Grafton NSW |
collections
| 2003 | Grafton Regional Gallery Two paintings and one ceramic work |
| 1999 | – present Work in Private Collections throughout Australia / Ceramics and drawings |
artist profile
I look at myself as an artist/potter and clay is my canvas. I enjoy working with clay, as it is a natural medium - raw, earthy and textural.
As a Gumbaygan Indigenous Australian being an artist always revolves around my culture, my identity and my spirit. I try to be as organic and natural in my approach to my art as I am to my everyday living. My art is greatly influenced by my surroundings, my family and nature.
The natural beauty of the old rock art of my ancestors and country play a role in my search for my own mark. The markings on my pots are kept raw and energetic, using underglazes and raw oxides to reveal a dry natural finish that is a response to my connection to my ancient culture.
When it comes to creating my work, I like to maintain a professional attitude, while still keeping everything simple and basic. Handbuilding my pots is the way I achieve this. My artwork is a slow, cathartic process, where layer upon layer is added, to slowly form a strong, meaningful art piece.
Stars of Banyabba is a direct response to my sense of identity, and new location.
