Saltwater Freshwater Arts 2021
Aboriginal Art Award and Contemporary Cultural Objects
Online Catalogue
Saltwater Freshwater is a biennial art award and contemporary cultural objects exhibition that was established in 2017, and continues to provide a valuable platform for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from the Mid North Coast Region.
"2020 had a huge impact on the world and vastly changed the way we create and engage with the arts. This exhibition is a testament to our resilience and our undeniable need for cultural expression. This multidisciplinary display speaks to the holistic nature of Aboriginal culture that's deeply embedded in the lands & identity of First Nation peoples from Worimi, Biripi, Dunghutti & Gumbaynggirr nations."
Alison Williams
Curator, Saltwater Freshwater Arts 2021
This year's exhibition includes a stunning showcase of fibre art fashion pieces created by weavers from across the Saltwater Freshwater region, the project is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW.
The art award is proudly supported by the Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance Aboriginal Corporation: the touring exhibition and public program are supported through the Australian Government's Indigenous Languages and Arts program and the NSW Government through Create NSW, and in collaboration with our gallery partners; the Glasshouse Regional Gallery, Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery, Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Co-operative, Manning Regional Art Gallery and Wadjar Regional Indigenous Gallery.
For Sales Enquiries please contact Boomalli at boomalliartgallery@gmail.com or call us on (02) 9560 2541.
Please be aware as this is a touring exhibition, works will not be available for collection until February 2022.
A. Bulmer-McDonald
Always Was Always Will Be, 2020
Acrylic on Canvas
30.5 x 30.5 cm
$399
My piece describes that we Always were and Always will be connected to mob as shown in the tree top and surrounding what was and always will be, the land that we came from and will retun to, fire shown on the land to ward off negativity, smoke to cleanse us shown surrounding us all, nature like the tree and water to keep us going and flowing, our blood that brings us together as one mob, our guidance from our Elders and Ancestors from the Dreamtime as shown in the tree.
Dimity Sinclair
Becoming a Queen, 2020
Acrylic on Canvas (framed)
61 x 50.8 cm
$1867
SOLD
I am a young woman and self taught artist with little knowledge or connection to my ancestors due to shame and assimilation having hurt my family line. I am discovering what it means to be First Nation in this contemporary world for my family, and learning to embrace what it means to be a Blak Queen.
Lilly Clegg
Biilirrgan, 2020
Acrylic and texture medium on canvas
92 x 61 cm
$1,600
Biilirrgan means Glossy Black Cockatoo in Gumbaynggirr language. To see a flock of Glossy Blacks flying together and calling means there will be rain and this painting is the Biilirrgan calling to the sky for rain during a time of fire and drought.
Laurel Swan
Biliirgan Jilinggada, 2020
Acrylic on canvas covered board
46 x 36 cm
$1,000
SOLD
High in the eucalypt, thin branches bend to the point of breaking under the weight of the bird as it silently feeds on seed and gum flowers. Flashes of fiery crimson red flit through the leaves. A raucous call, a lift off. Branches flick back and forth springing resuming their unburdened position. Biliirrgan rises.
Jamie-Lee Telfer
Birthing on country, 2020
Canvas print of an original acrylic artwork
83 x 67 cm
$1,067
The original painting of this print was created to donate and support Waminda Birthing Centre down the South Coast with their Birthing on Country Program. I am very passionate about birthing on country after 2 births off country which were not pleasant experiences and then my last birth on country which was the most connecting and beautiful experience. This piece speaks of my experience birthing on country, the connection to country, to my people and to my matriarchal ancestors that birthed here before me. The gift to birth our next generation country.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Nicolle Duncan
Coolamon - Cradle of Life, 2020
Acrylic on stretched canvas
200 x 120 cm
$7,998
A Coolamon is a traditional Aboriginal carrying vessel with curved sides. They were traditionally used to cradle and carry babies, carrying water, fruits and nuts, winnowing grains in the traditional bread making process and protection from the rain.
Coolamons are made to last, traditionally from hardwood, removed from part of the tree that will not harm the life of the tree. They are tempered to withstand all degrees of stress.
Coolamons are symbols of identity, representing people and their connections to each other and the land.
Coolamons echo 'the body of her', the first beloved woman in a person's life. Your mother. The shape evokes the journey of life - the gateway to the Womb. The vessel that first carried your seed and you for the first 10 months of life, nurtures you and protects you. Gives you your identity, connection to family, community, culture, and the land.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Danielle Burford
Dance of the New Dawn, 2020
Acrylic on canvas
122 x 91 cm
$3,999
Dance of the New Dawn is a reflection of the past year's struggles, COVID disruption and huge life changes. Brolgas dance for new life, new life brings new dawns, new days and new beginnings.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Alanna Shorter (YOWA)
Dogs Dreaming of Dogs, 2020
Acrylic on canvas
64 x 185 cm
$3,330
This painting was inspired by my dog Rizzo, and his obsession with other dogs. I wanted to create a dreamscape through his eyes. A world filled with dogs, dreaming of dogs.
A. Bulmer-McDonald
Dreamtime Guidance, 2020
Acrylic on canvas
76 x 102 cm
$1,332
SOLD
When we need guidance, we turn to our Ancestors to help us through survival.
Michelle Flanders
Fire Front, 2020
Acrylic on canvas
110 x 76 cm
$667
Fire Front represents the North Coast Fire in 2019 - 2020 and the impact it had on our communities. The circles represent the Four Nations affected being Worimi, Biripi, Dunghutti and Gumbaynggirr.
Tulli Stevens
Gaagal Darrundaygam (Ocean Healing), 2020
Acrylic on canvas
61 x 76.5 cm
$2,267
SOLD
Gaagal Darrundaygam consists of one single continuous line; it pays homage to the ocean, our totem. I have always felt a deep connection with the ocean and its calm, healing energy so this is the feeling I hope to inspire with this painting.
Emily Mainhardt
Garrayura Djarraba (Sky Fire), 2020
Acrylic and watercolour
90 cm Diameter
$1,200
SOLD
Garrayura Djarraba is what I remember seeing when I was smaller looking up at the fires in the sky (fireworks displays) at the Easter show every year, all of the symbols and patterns lighting up the sky in so many different colours. The shows would always bring so much joy and excitement and that is what I want the viewer to feel when they look at my painting.
Angela Marr-Grogan
Girambit (Saltwater), 2020
Acrylic on Canvas (Triptych)
123 x 91 cm x 3
$4,399
I'm a Birrbay woman and my traditional language name is Gurrwa Marraygan meaning 'Sea Spirit'. Girambit was created in celebration of my country's stunning saltwater coastline, and my deep and profound connection to it.
Rachel Syron
Into the Ashes, 2020
Acrylic on Canvas
93 x 92 cm
$2,933
This painting is a reflection of the catastrophic fires which devastated our lands. The Koala also has human footprints beneath him. Reflecting our human impact and also our first people's strong ancient ties. An amazing Dreamtime story shared by my friend, Steve Brereton.
Tori Donnelly
Journey we can all work together, 2020
Acrylic on Canvas
80 cm Diameter
$507
SOLD
This artwork shares a story of all of us working towards a future together.
Tulli Stevens
Miimi (Mother), 2020
Acrylic on Canvas
91 x 91 cm
$3,333
SOLD
Miimi is inspired by my beautiful mother, her strength, passion and wisdom that has guided me on my path to where I am today. The continuous line represents journeys, sharing of knowledge, learning, following the path that life leads you on. The process of creating this painting was incredibly meditative, a journey in itself.
Jamie-Lee Telfer
Miimi in full bloom
Acrylic on Canvas
51 x 40 cm
$667
A blooming mother, stepping into her new journey into motherhood. As she prepares to bring our next generation into the world, she is honoured, connected, she transitions into her full bloom.
Michelle Flanders
Moon Spirit, 2019
Acrylic on Canvas
41 x 51 cm
$400
SOLD
Moon Spirit represents my sister who passed 3 years ago. One night as I was looking at the moon my sister came to me to put my mind at rest.
WINNER, SALTWATER FRESHWATER ABORIGINAL ART AWARD, 2021
Gus Kelly
Narra Dhalayi (Sad Girl), 2020
Charcoal on paper
100 x 80 cm
$2,666
Sad little black girl - why so sad?
Everything's alright - it's not so bad.
Daddy's gone a hunting
And Mommy's here with you.
The bad man is coming but you will see it through.
So sit back and wait for soon he will be gone.
Brentyn Lungnan
Ngaaru Yuludarla (Water Dreaming), 2020
Ink and acrylic paint on stretched canvas
100 x 150 cm
$5,999
This piece speaks of my Ancestors ancient and ongoing connection to my country. Across the centre can be seen a river motif. This design derived from my fingerprint, expresses how intertwined the land and the people are. Bordering this are midden designs showing my ancestral link to this country. These shell deposits take thousands of years to produce at the scale we have in Gumbaynggirr Country, leaving a tangible, physical measure of the time my people have been here. Surrounding these are expressions of the yellow ochres and the vast number of meeting places across this area.
Amber Seccombe-Flanders
Resonance #1, 2020
Acrylic paint
76 x 76 cm
$2,240
Country's vocabulary resonates in many tongues. Feathered serpent lingo, silence coloured by travelling ambient light, salted water against reef-coloured rocks, bird tones laden with dawn, sleeping plants and shifting roots. Unseen worlds resonating in a movement of creation, of constant birthing and surrender to death encased in primordial bliss. Spirit of land and place whisper of magic, belonging in a love laden language, available as playful balm to weary and bone tired souls. Creatures of light fill my eyes and hands, asking for release, a spell of paint allows them to roam freely. Who is seer and who is seen? Ask Country.
Mabel Ritchie
The Gathering
Acrylic on Canvas
61 x 122 cm
$667
SOLD
This artwork is my representation of the Gathering and preparing of native foods. The Gathering and passing on of food knowledge to the next generation. And the Gathering of the people to share the food.
Brentyn Lugnan
Urruun.ga.la, 2020
Ink and paint on stretched canvas
50 x 150 cm
$5,332
This piece describes the intrinsic, symbiotic and ancient connection between my ancestors and the waterways of the Urunga area on the Mid North Coast of NSW. For untold generations, until recently, my family were entwined with the rivers of our lands. The colonisation, theft and massacres of the last 200 odd years have seen an end to this. This is my homage to those that went before me and the ways that are now lost.
Gus Kelly
Wanha-Wanggati-Nganhang (Don't Forget Me), 2020
Charcoal on paper
90 x 75 cm
$2,666
I know you but you don't remember me.
I was here a long time ago but now I am gone.
They came and took everything: my land, my language, my culture, my life. I might be gone, but I still live on inside of you.
So think of me now and again - for without me you would not be here. So I ask only one thing of you: Wanha-Wanggati-Nganhang - don't forget me.
Lilly Clegg
We're not supposed to be here, 2020
Acrylic on Canvas
61 x 30.5 cm
$667
Portals to other dimensions...they're here, even today, in nature. And we feel it when it's close, that severe energy, the skin tingles, that feeling of being watched, and the alarm going off in your head that says "we're not supposed to be here".
Tori Donnelly
White Wash, 2020
Acrylic and mixed media on canvas
79 x 70 cm
$4,506
I often visit Bunyun Miirlarl now known as Corrambiirin Point and imagine how it may have looked and felt before 1917. It is known as a sacred place and yet there is no transparency in written history of how the island became occupied by foreign peoples and eventually labelled a quarry.
This is a Women's place as told in the sunrise, depth of an ocean to represent how in an instant thousands of years of repetition can be lost. White represented here alike to smoke and mirrors so you can't see the blood of my people through the cracks.
Alanna Shorter (YOWA)
Window Thief, 2020
Acrylic on canvas
92 x 61 cm
$1,267
SOLD
This painting was inspired by a pair of Superb Fairy-wrens, who spend a great deal of time flying around my window.
Emily Mainhardt
Banyarri mida mida (the big blue), 2020
Acrylic on canvas
98 x 98 cm
$1,333
SOLD
This painting represents the wild vast ocean and the many shades of blue that you'll see when staring her in the eye, she's wild and holds many beautiful creatures. I want the viewer to look at this painting and feel a desire to want to protect the ocean and all the beauty she holds.
Kathy Stevens
Bridging the Gap, 2020
Timber and Crystals
29 x 110 x 75 cm
$760
The arched timber represents the bridges, both pieces of timber coming together to 'Bridge the Gap' and join families and communities, which are represented by clusters of crystals. The different coloured crystals relate to different cultures and races all living together as one on our Mother Earth.
Kathy Stevens
Barrmarrany Biguurr (Family Tree), 2020
Timber and Crystals
55 x 120 x 50 cm
$494
This beautiful piece of timber root system is representative of our 'Family Tree' - 'Our Roots'.
The crystals represent families and communities.
Families can stretch far and wide, but ultimately we are still family and connected, always were, always will be. We are all spiritual beings intertwined with Mother Earth. We are all one, we come from the same breath of life.
Lilly Clegg
"Naalgan-da" (at the beach) Moon Wreath, 2020
Woven fibres, gum nuts, leaves, stones, shells, flowers, seeds, some glass and metal miscellaneous objects
55 x 52 x 5 cm
NFS
This is a Moon Wreath, made from objects found around Gaagal, the Ocean, where my ancestors lived in Girrin-da (Corindi).
Lilly Clegg
"Gumugan" (Comet) Moon Wreath, 2020
Native fibres, silver wire, stones, feathers, beads, wool
54 x 47 x 4 cm
NFS
This Moon Wreath is a view of the night sky, the crescent moon, the Milky Way galaxy, the stars and a blue comet of amazonite to soothe the world's worries.
Weaving stories and culture - a practice in contemporary fibre art and fashion
Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW is developing our region's weavers and showcasing the innovative and extraordinary creative Koori talent from the Mid North Coast of NSW.
Saltwater Freshwater worked with 8 weavers from across the Gumbaynggirr, Dunghutti, Biripi and Worimi Nations, supporting them to develop fibre art fashion pieces to be showcased at the Saltwater Freshwater Arts 2021 exhibition and possible fashion shows and exhibitions in the future. Due to COVID-19 restrictions in 2020, the weavers met monthly via zoom and a closed Facebook group over a 6-month period to develop design concepts and to share ideas and support each other.
The finished pieces plus fashion style photographs of Aboriginal models wearing the pieces are now part of the SWFW Arts exhibition. Our photographer documented the weaver's processes and this footage has culminated in a doco-style film sharing the process of making.
Nancy Pattison
Biyabang (Tea Tree), 2020
Tea Tree dyed fabric with woven adornments of paperbark belt and gum leaf necklace
Reverse detail image of wings.
Model: Estella Blair
Photographer: Jay Black
Joedie Lawler
Emu Women, 2020
Various grasses, feather, wool, plastic
Emu Woman Necklace, 2020
Copper, feathers, grass
Emu Women is about the connection of women to country. Women's role in teaching and nurturing. Women's business starts when the emu astrology appears in the sky. We provide strength, guidance and build our next generation to be strong. We are winmara worm galbaan. Clever strong women.
Model: Noreen Carr
Photographer: Jay Black
Joedie Lawler
Spirit of Light, 2020
Dress
Various grasses, feather, wool, plastic
Necklace, 2020
Grass
Shoes, 2020
Grasses
Earrings, 2020
Grasses
When Yindali created the world he woke the spirit of light and asked her to walk on his creation. As she walked on the earth grass and flowers grew beneath her feet and everything she touched came to life with vibrance of colour. Once she walked along the earth she retuned to Yindali, he then asked her to go to the mountain tops and walk through the caves. As she walked through her eyes shone light into the cave and awoke all the animals and birds, they walked from the cave entering their new world.
She again returned to Yindali, he then told her to walk through the caverns beneath the earth. As her eyes shone through the caverns insects flew from the darkness to enter the new world. The spirit of light returned again to Yindali who then told her to rest, lay your head in the west and close your eyes. As the spirit of light closed her eyes darkness once again fell on the earth and all the animals lay still. The following day the spirit of light awoke in the east.
Model: Luca Saunders
Photographer: Jay Black
Lynette Davis
Ngatha galbaan garuwa
I am Saltwater Woman, 2020
Hessian, paperback, raffia, cotton and shells
Headpiece, 2020
Hessian
Dillybag, 2020
Raffia and paperbark
My name is Lynette Davis, I am a proud Gumbyanggirr Worimi galbaan. I was born on Purfleet mission in Biripi country and reared on Tobwabba Reserve in Worimi country. The colours and materials I have used connect me to barraba binding barrayguba (my father's country). They represent the families of Tobwabba and the life we lived as a proud Garuwa (saltwater people).
Trish McInherny
Our Warrior Within, 2020
Wearable weave - nature fibres
This wearable weave was woven by Patricia McInherny utilising all natural native resources: lomandra, paperbark, driftwood, limpet shells and emu feathers. This weave is symbolic of armour worn within medieval times - our invisible armour as Aboriginal people of Australia. The piece titled 'Our Warrior Within' shares how we gaze upon our countries with great pride, the responsibility to protect our lands, rivers & seas is each of ours, as individuals, as groups, as nations. We still have our roles which includes 'Caring for Country' - to demonstrate, to practice, to educate 'Our Warrior Within'. Trish from Birpai Country has woven for 11 years and she loves exhibiting and running workshops that share a range of techniques, skills, resources, stories and personal knowledge.
Trish McInherny
Our Warrior Within, 2020
Shoes, Shoulder Pads and Arm Bands
Model: Ashleigh Davies
Photographer: Jay Black
Denise Buchanan and Lauren Jarrett
Gumbaynggirr Girl, 2020
Weaving, raffia and wool
Gumbaynggirr Girl is a modern young girl becoming a young woman. Embracing her culture and tribe with pride.
Model: Keneisha Close
Photographer: Jay Black
Pauline Grothkopp
Seaside Dreaming, 2020
Raffia
Shell pendant, 2020
Raffia and Shells
Pendant Triangle, 2020
Raffia and shells
Seaside Dreaming armband, 2020
Raffia and shells
Seaside Dreaming colours of the water, rocks and sand and shells that are found amidst the rocks and on the beach. The sides represent the water running down to the sea. Where I have called home and spent most of my life swimming, fishing, gathering and learning about my culture and my people.
Model: Tulli Stevens
Photographer: Jay Black
Nancy Pattison
Girambit (Saltwater), 2020
Woven Fibres
Model: Estella Blair
Photographer: Jay Black
Saltwater Ocean Girl, South West Rocks.
Nancy Pattison, Natasha French and Cheryl Blair
Baril Wayila (Red Tailed Black Cockatoo), 2020
Raffia and feathers
Model: Jaynarleeya Munro
Photographer: Jay Black
Arlene McInherny
Mirriiyngili gili, 2020
Possum skin, raffia, paperbark and mixed objects
Mirriiyn gili is the light of the star. It comes from the Ancestors, Grandmothers, Aunties, Mother's and knowing ones. It's the women who bring the paradox, the light in the darkness. It's a tribute to my Mother who is everything, soft and staunch, silent yet her voice echoed through eons, present and everywhere. She is mirriiyn Gili, the sacred woman who is so deeply entwined with the earth. All that seek the warmth, nurture , and connection of Grandmother's energy reach for her.
Model: Aliya Morris
Photographer: Jay Black
Lynette Davis
Ngatha galbaan garuwa
I am Saltwater Woman, 2020
Hessian, paperbark, raffia and shells
My name is Lynette Davis, I am a proud Gumbyanggirr Worimi galbaan. I was born on Purfleet mission in Biripi country and reared on Tobwabba Reserve in Worimi country. The colours and materials I have used connect me to barraba binding barrayguba (my father's country). They represent the families of Tobwabba and the life we lived as a proud Garuwa (saltwater people).
Inspiration for my work is dedicated to my beautiful parents and grand parents who loved and nurtured me, they have instilled in me the beauty of country which I have incorporated into my work.
Model: Lynette Davis
Photographe: Jay Black
Pam Saunders
Birrbay Barray, 2020
Wool, raffia and fig root
Birrbay Barray shoes, 2020
Wool and raffia
Birrbay Barray dilly, 2020
Wool
Birrbay Barray necklace, 2020
Wool and raffia
The river of life flows through my grandmother's country Biripi. It is my bloodline connection to Birrbay Barray, where the leaves touch the water from the mountains to the sea. As you can see in my dress, the waterfall is like a brides veil, it starts from the mountains and winds through Birrbay Barray valley to the sea.
The river we call Bartoo, Mother Earth has saltwater to clean the fresh to keep herself and all earth's creatures healthy. The circles represent the people and the blue green in the land and water.
I mixed traditional with contemporary, and used fig root, wool, silk, and raffia materials.
The fig represents woman business as we ground ourselves and build strength in our children to stand strong. The wool and raffia are the contemporary materials resources and stitched all together in a traditional stitch in our area. The tulle is to represent our waterfalls and the sea. The silk is wrapped around the fig root. The circles show all our people living in my country.
Birrbay Barray
Biripi Country
Model: Tiffany Saunders
Photographer: Jay Black
Nancy Pattison
Garuwa (Native Plum), 2020
Top is rayon dyed with native plum and the skirt is eco dyed rayon.
Model: Jaynarleeya Munro
Photographer: Jay Black
Trish McInherny
To Mask, 2020
Natural fibres
27 x 29 x 1 cm
$134
SOLD
To mask one's face.
Photographer: Jay Black, 2020
Rear: Luca Saunders
Middle Row (from left to right): Tiffany Saunders, Aunty Pam Saunders, Denis Buchanan, Keneisha Close, Noreen Carr, Joedie Lawler, Arlene McInherny, Aliya Morris, Trish McInherny, Ashleigh Davies
Front (from left to right): Pauline Grothkopp, Tulli Stevens, Lauren Jarrett, Aunty Lyn Davis, Nancy Pattison, Estella Blair, Jaynarleeya Munro
Missing from photo: Aunty Cheryl Blair and Natasha French
Photographer: Jay Black, 2020
From left to right: Keneisha Close, Luca Saunders, Estella Blair, Noreen Carr, Aunty Lyn Davis, Ashleigh Davies, Jaynarleeya Munro, Aliya Morris, Tiffany Saunders, Tulli Stevens
Artwork, photograph reproduction and exhibition photography by Sharon Hickey.