Karda - Goanna and the Gift of Fire

Long ago, during the dreaming, the earth was dark and cold. The people and animals lived together, sharing the land, but they had no fire to keep them warm or to cook their food. Among the animals, Karda the Goanna was known for his patience and cleverness.

One day, a fierce storm swept through the land, striking a tree with lightning. The tree caught fire, its flames crackling and casting a golden light across the plains. The people and animals gathered around, awed by the warmth, but none dared approach the fire, fearing its destructive power.

Karda, wise and brave, stepped forward. He knew the fire was a gift from the sky spirits and that it would benefit all creatures if used wisely. Carefully, he observed the flames and noticed that they didn’t harm the thick bark of the tree as much as they did softer materials.

Using his strong claws and sharp mind, Karda dug a tunnel beneath the burning tree and brought back a small ember in his mouth. He carried it to the people and taught them how to keep the fire alive by feeding it wood. He also showed them how to use fire responsibly for warmth, cooking, and protection but always with respect for its power.

In gratitude, the people honored Karda, painting his image on rocks and telling his story to their children. The goanna’s tracks, with their distinctive V-shaped footprints and tail drag, became a symbol of wisdom and persistence, guiding the people through the land.

Even today, when goannas are seen basking in the sun or moving steadily across the earth, they remind us of the balance between courage and caution, and the importance of respecting the gifts of nature.

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I'm a Perth based artist who originates from the Noongar language group based in the South-west of Australia and am traditionally connected to the Ballardong and Minang tribes. I first started painting when i was 12 years old and was inspired by family member artists who include my grandfather Dennis Noongali Kickett and parents Michelle Wilura Kickett and Michael Cummings.

I paint for a hobby and as a form of relaxation in my spare time as it helps me to reflect and to connect to my culture. My work is based around traditional stories and cultural practices which mainly focus on the role Noongar men had. I also paint stories which relate to both my mothers and fathers traditional areas which include coastal and hinterland themes. I mainly work with acrylic paints and practice dot painting techniques and traditional symbolism to represent my themes.

I hope to keep my ancestors culture and stories alive through my artwork and educate the wider community about their i.e. my ancestors traditional way of life. This also includes breaking down barriers for Aboriginal people in the wider society and helping to reconcile past differences between Aboriginal and non Aboriginal people. Further, I hope to inspire other aspiring young Aboriginal artists to realise their potential to pursue a career in the arts.