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Birmba (White Cockatoo)

Birmba (White Cockatoo) is my family totem. It has been passed down from generation to generation. 

They are like protective spirits for me, my family and our loved ones who have passed away.

They always remind me of my late grandfather and my sister who I dearly miss.

The White Cockatoos give us signs. Good signs and signs of danger. They always let you know when to move on.

When I am out with my grand children, I say “that’s Nan there, overlooking us”, I let them know it’s family wathing over them, keeping them connected to each other and country.

When I am alone, I know they are around. I speak to their spirit and they give me strength.

Name: Loretta Spratt


Community: Mossman


Biography:

I was born on Thursday Island. My parents are both Aboriginal from Coen. I grew up in Hopevale from age four and then moved to Mossman where I met my Yalanji husband.

My experience with art started in Mossman after a lot of artists I’d seen doing their art inspired me to express my culture through painting on canvas. I feel that stories in my culture are very important and this art practice gave me the ability to pass these stories down to the next generation. I do painting on canvas and some lino work which is turned into Fine Art Prints on special paper.

 


© the artist / art centre