bidjara

Profile

Name

bidjara 

City

Banyo

Country

Australia

Joined

Jun 2008

“I was born, raised and live in Rockhampton, QLD and have very strong relationships within the whole of the Cental Queensland region. I am a proud mix of 3 different aboriginal tribes and they are Bidjara (on my Grandfathers side), Garingbal and Gungalu (on my Grandmothers side). My grandfathers’ country extends to the ranges of the Carnarvon Gorge, out past Augathella and my grandmothers’ country is the Carnarvon Gorge region and further. I come from a very artistic and actively involved community minded family and know that my own central core revolves around this. Ethical standards, high morals and thoughts with feelings, are the values that my grandmother and grandfather instilled into me. So when I decided it was time to ask for my artistic name, it was only natural that I sought out my grandfather, Senior Bidjara Elder. After discussions and letting him know what it was I wanted to do, he allowed me to use his clan name Bidjara and his family totem the possum and I could think of no better signature. An expression of strength (name) and watchful (possum). Something I hope to achieve. I am developing into an emerging contemporary aboriginal artist who has a genuine interest in exploring not just my indigenous side but also mainstream. Family is very important to me; they provide the support and inspire my drive. My art extends from them and my cultural beliefs and I hope to extract my grandfathers’ knowledge of dreaming stories, the Bidjara language, etc and weave in my extensions to create art that becomes an expression of cultural wealth, beauty, style and simplicity. I love the Carnarvon Gorge, Mt Moffatt and Augathella regions and the “magic” of being at home whist there and I am currently seeking the permission and guidance of my grandparents to become their representative on Native Title and Land issues.”

All artwork can be viewed at www.bidjaradesign.spaces

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