Status: Stock
Name: Sheryl J Burchill
Language: Kuku Yalanji, Kuku Nyungkul
Community: Mossman
Biography:
My name is Sheryl Burchill I come from an artistic family which includes one brother and two sisters. We were raised by a strong mother who, herself, received ongoing support and guidance from our grandparents.
The stories from my mother and grandparents, the landscape and the environment are inspiration for my artwork, connecting with my culture and the sense of knowing where I come from, keeps me grounded as a person. It also gives me strength and courage to take on the challenges in life. The stories that I paint are what I remember being taught at a very young age. Out of love and respect for my grandparents, I paint to keep their spirits alive.
I have completed Certificates 3 & 4 in ATSI Cultural Arts and a Diploma in ATSI Cultural Visual Arts through Tropical North Queensland TAFE and for nearly three years was employed by BBN Inc. as Art coordinator at Yalanji Arts in Mossman Gorge. During that time, I took part in many workshops learning new skills in printmaking, ceramics, wood carving and textiles printing and jewellery.
I always aim to use my understanding of Yalanji Culture, tradition stories and lifestyle, to inform my art work and to express my ideas in a contemporary style. Being able to share all I have learnt about my culture through my art, is a blessing. I hope you get much satisfaction out of owing one of my pieces, as I had creating it.
Kirbaji (Dugong) Kirbaji (Dugong) is an Ancestral Spirit Being (Totem) that I inherited it from my mother’s side. It is my Totem. The dugong was also an important food source for my ancestors. Only men Read more…
