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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 grandchildren, I say “that’s Nan there, overlooking us”, I let them know it’s family watching 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.

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.

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© the artist / art centre