Ochre glows, it shows itself, waiting for me to discover its magic and beauty
Name: Michelle Adams
Biography:
Michelle Lee Adams is an Yindjibarndi woman born in Roebourne in 1970, now based in Karratha. Initially beginning a law degree, Michelle shifted focus and has since worked across Australia in the creative arts, collaborating with communities, Elders, and organisations such as Big hART. Most recently, she co-created Punkaliyarra, a major production developed with Yindjibarndi Elders and senior women, presented at the Sydney Opera House.
Her transition into visual arts is a natural progression, deeply rooted in cultural and family ties. Michelle descends from the Sandy, Pat, and Andrews families—custodians of knowledge and Country—and draws inspiration from her late mother and her “Gawarli” (mother’s aunty) Allery Sandy, both respected artists born at Mount Florence Station (Yirranha).
As an emerging visual artist, Michelle uses her practice to honour her ancestors, preserve cultural memory, and speak to the ongoing impacts of colonialism through thoughtful, powerful creative expression.
Tide Going Out When the tide goes out it drags back the water and leaves behind patterns in the sand. This painting represents the water and the sand. I like to paint my country from Read more…
Spinifex Country Our country is covered with spinifex. In the old days, our elders would grind the spinifex seeds to make flour to make into damper. The resin from the spinifex can be used to Read more…
Pilbara Creeks During the rainy season many creeks are hidden among the rocky hills of the Pilbara country. The locals from this area like fishing on the banks of the creeks, catching many different varieties Read more…