Campaspe Artists Studio Trail

I am a Waradjuri man and painter, born in Narrandera but now based in Gunbower.

Where my parents lived beside the Murrumbidgee River was the largest bora ground (a traditional meeting place) ever recorded. It consisted of two large circles – one 50 metres in diameter, the other 30 metres – connected by a 500 metre pathway. Along this pathway were ground carvings and 100 ornately carved trees with symbols, markings and the animals that are totems of the Waradjuri.

These carvings and markings are now a strong part of my artwork. They are my connection to my Nguurrangbang (Waradjuri for ‘My Land My Country My Place of Birth’) and are part of what inspires me to paint. My inspiration comes from many things. Sometimes it will be the colours in a sunset or the unusual shape you will see in trees. I will sometimes paint a background and just allow the painting to develop on its own at its own pace. Or l will already see the painting in my head and put paint to canvas and paint.