People come from country, so like ochre, our people have always cherished the way we use ochre. Ceremony contains ochre. There we celebrate it’s power. It sustains all the elements within. Earth, water, rain are just a few. It has a timeless beauty beyond one minds eye.
Name: Michelle Adams
Biography:
Michelle Lee Adams is an Yindjibarndi woman born in Roebourne in 1970, now based in Karratha. Initially beginning a law degree, Michelle shifted focus and has since worked across Australia in the creative arts, collaborating with communities, Elders, and organisations such as Big hART. Most recently, she co-created Punkaliyarra, a major production developed with Yindjibarndi Elders and senior women, presented at the Sydney Opera House.
Her transition into visual arts is a natural progression, deeply rooted in cultural and family ties. Michelle descends from the Sandy, Pat, and Andrews families—custodians of knowledge and Country—and draws inspiration from her late mother and her “Gawarli” (mother’s aunty) Allery Sandy, both respected artists born at Mount Florence Station (Yirranha).
As an emerging visual artist, Michelle uses her practice to honour her ancestors, preserve cultural memory, and speak to the ongoing impacts of colonialism through thoughtful, powerful creative expression.
Pilbara Wildflowers I paint my country in my own style. We have so many beautiful flowers that are watered by the rains. The Pilbara is a place of many beautiful colours.
Riverbank This artwork is the riverbank of Millstream. It’s a tropical oasis where we like to go swimming there, fishing and spending time with family.
Salt Flats There are many salt flats in the Pilbara.This painting depicts the water flowing underneath with the salt forming on top in ripples to show the movement of the ocean.