22514004283

Published by CompNet Systems on

Status: Stock

Tote Bag – (Birmba) White Cockatoo

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

White Cockatoos always remind me of my grandfather, my sisters and other family who have passed on. They are like protective spirits for me, my family, and my loved ones that have passed. They will give you signs: good signs and signs of danger. They let you know when to move on.

 

When I’m out with my grandchildren, I say “Look, do you see that white cockatoo there? That’s your grandmother there, overlooking us”. I let them know that it is family watching over them, keeping them connected to each other and our country. When I’m alone, I know they’re around. I speak to their spirit and they give me strength.

 

 Fabrication: 12oz Cotton Canvas

Categories: Bamanga Bubu Ngadimunku Aboriginal Corporation

Name: Lorna Shuan

Language: Kuku Yalanji

Community: Mossman

Biography:

I was born in 1965 at the Mossman Hospital and grew up in the Mossman Gorge Aboriginal community with all my family. I’m a traditional custodian for the Kubirri Warra area.

 

In 2008 I completed my Certificate IV in Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts. I enjoy painting or drawing my stories for printing on fabric and paper. I also tell my stories in clay: I do sgrafitto on ceramic bowls, coolamon and tiles, and drawing. Selecting colours is important to me in all my art. I like bright colours, as for me they bring out more and make me happy.

 

My family and community motivate me to create art. It is important to follow your passion, heart and dreams and share your talents. It’s important to leave a legacy behind for your family and grandchildren, to help them feel proud and show that you are doing something that makes you happy and helps others.

 

The rainforest is a big part of my world, it gives me inspiration in my art. Mostly, I enjoy depicting birds - they represent my totems and their spiritual messages and remind me of my family. The Cockatoo and Cassowary are my totems. The Kurranji (Cassowary) is the Madja (Boss). When I paint Kurranji, I have a connection to the rainforest. He looks after the land, cultivating the land and has lovely colours. He is the leader of all birds in the rainforest. Parrots have beautiful rainbow colours which also make me feel happy when I think about family that have passed.

 

My paintings are connected with traditional ways, connected to the ancestors and my family - especially my grandmother and my grandfather. They give me life and strength.

Related Posts

Bamanga Bubu Ngadimunku Aboriginal Corporation

225182337580

Jarruka Bulka (Scrubfowl Nest) Jarruka Bulka (Scrubfowl Nest) and the Diwan Bulka (Brush Turkey Nest) is essential to the survival of our hunting and gathering practices, as the women and girls collect the eggs from Read more…

Bamanga Bubu Ngadimunku Aboriginal Corporation

225182337578

Kubarr (Freshwater Eel)

Bamanga Bubu Ngadimunku Aboriginal Corporation

225182337575

Kurriyala (Carpet Snake) The carpet snake used to be an important food animal for our ancestors. They wrapped the meat in native ginger leaves and cooked it on the hot coals of the ground oven. Read more…

© the artist / art centre