Killiecrankie Dreaming_3 (Available As A Commission Only)

KILLIECRANKIE DREAMING_3
This painting is Inspired by my visit to Flinders Island, Tasmania, and my fruitless attempt to find the elusive so called killiecrankie diamonds. It is also a reminder of the main reason for my trip to the island, my pilgrimage to Wybalenna; to show respect, and to view first hand the final resting place of many of our Aboriginal Elders/Ancestors,
The restored Chapel, the Cemetery and remnants of the demolished accommodation areas at Wybalenna were all emotional places to visit, and I could feel the presence of our ancestors during my visit there.
The central area of my painting represents Flinders Island/Wybalenna; it forms the shape of a ships steering wheel (helm); and depicts nine diamonds, the outer central area represents the multi-coloured diamonds (topaz) that I dreamed of finding; and beyond that; is a second circular area of nine diamonds one for each of the Tasmanian Aboriginal Nations, the diamonds are deposited there by constant erosion and water flow from the Killiecrankie Mountain to the sea that separates Flinders Island from the Tasmanian mainland.
The outer circles on my painting represent the Nine Tasmanian Aboriginal Nations, and the painting perimeter depicts the oceans that surround Tasmania.

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Born in Hobart, Tasmania, in 1947, Uncle Greg Matthews is a contemporary First Nations artist whose powerful creative art is anchored in his heritage as a descendant of the Manegin people from the North West Nation. His Totem is The Sea Eagle, and his language group is Peerapper.
His life journey has been shaped by pivotal, unseen forks in the road and times of deep childhood hardship over which he had no control. Yet, looking back through these trials, he believes a grander path was always mapped out, leading him directly to his true calling in art.
Driven by an immense pride in his culture, Uncle Greg views art as a sacred bridge to his ancestors and a vessel for breathing life into ancient stories. He works primarily with vibrant acrylic paints, meticulously sharing his cultural narratives through traditional dot work. The enduring spirit of his people flows through his veins, serving as the unbreakable foundation for both his life and his creative work. Today, he creates from a place of deep peace, happiness, and belonging. Through his art, he has found a beautiful community, surrounding himself with wonderful friends who walk alongside him on this creative journey.
Uncle Greg’s paintings and stories are derived from his own research & life experiences, in conjunction with the Traditional Manegin Tribal Lores & Customs that have since been passed on to him. He has developed his own unique contemporary Aboriginal art style, his art has been displayed in Hobart & Melbourne Galleries and displayed in commercial premises in both Melbourne & Sydney. Uncle Greg’s art has been acquired by collectors Australia wide & internationally. Selected designs of Uncle Greg’s art have also been commercially reproduced on high quality cotton fabric and is currently available internationally.
Uncle Greg has achieved local recognition for his art, and his art has won awards. His studio is in Berwick, Victoria.
He pays respects to the traditional owners of the land upon which his studio is located; he also acknowledges Aboriginal Elders past present and those who are emerging.