Knowledge comes from the past, not the future. So we look to our Elders to share stories of the old days and knowledge of the old ways to strengthen our young people and give us foresight of what the future may hold. The broadshell Turtle is the totem of the Yorta Yorta people.
This painting represents family and generations growing together
Elders are our knowledge holders, and when they pass on their bodies go back to the dust and waters. Their memories remain in the country as they become one with the ancestors. For us to continue to connect with them, we need to sit in the country (just like when a seed is planted) and spread our roots deep into the earth, the deeper we look, listen and feel the more we learn and the stronger we become. Mother Earth, the Seed, the giver of life, the waters, connection, intergenerational healing, continuation not preservation.
Great silence on nature. Peace & quiet. Beautiful country of Australia
This painting signifies how much I appreciate my Elders.
Campfire along the river. Listening to my Elders tell stories of Dhungala and family gatherings baround the fire listening and laughing and dancing. Surrounded by nature, listening to the birds sing, river flowing, smelling burning of wood and smoke while listening to Elders in my family
This artwork represents the native animals that are slowly disappearing from the land, sky & waters. The goanna has been the most noticeable animal that are slowly disappearing & in the next 10 years we will only see them on paintings instead of in the wild
This painting reminds means a lot to me, connecting with my cousins Laurel, Cynthia and Beverly and sharing this time together and stories and being able to express ourselves in canvas that our stories will live on makes me very proud of who I am and being an artistand being part of this amazing gallery of artists and staff. Capturinga special moment with Tammy and fellow artists on the bridge on the lake, feeding the ducks, turtles and being a part of nature gives me a good feeling and connected to the land and animals makes us happy and healthy
This painting represents me as a young Yorta Yorta woman gazing and looking up to our elders in the community and seeing them as strong as mountains. The artwork within the mountains represents their different stories and journeys and the star symbols and journey symbols in the sky represent our elders past and their many stories that still get told. I am very proud to learn from my elders and will continue to tell their stories to my nieces and nephews and future children.
Reminds me when we all went fishing on the river. Just a fun day fishing, Family day all together, fishing and BBQ. Catching fish, cooking on an open fire. Just a day to get together.