Bindi Burrs of Cunnamulla – Seeds of the Old Story

Immerse Yourself in the Timeless Wisdom of Aboriginal Art
I have created this stunning painting with vibrant colours it has layers of acrylics mixed with Liquitex Soft Gel
Increases surface gloss, colour depth and transparency on Cunnamulla Country. The Elders speak of the Bindi Burrs as more than little spiky trouble-makers — they are the watchful seeds of the land, reminding everyone to walk with care and respect.
Long ago, when the Country was still soft from Creation, the Burr Sisters travelled across the plains, spreading their small, sharp seeds behind them. Each seed held a tiny lesson: pay attention, slow down, feel the ground beneath your feet. They scattered across the red dirt, waiting for those who walked too fast or forgot their connection to the earth.
When people or animals stepped on them, the pain was sudden but meaningful — a reminder from the Ancestors that Country is alive, and every plant, no matter how small, has a purpose. The bindi seeds marked the changing seasons too: sprouting after the autumn rains, flowering in the spring, and hardening under the summer sun, carrying the rhythms of the land.
This painting shows those Burr Sisters dancing — their seeds glowing with the colours of Country, layered upon each other like generations of stories. Some shine with the pinks and reds of sunset, others with the greens and golds of new growth. Together, they weave a reminder that even the prickly parts of Country belong, and every part of Cunnamulla’s land holds its own story and strength.

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Artist Statement
I was born in Cunnamulla, a small town in southwestern Queensland, on the edge of Barunggam Country. My yumba—my traditional home—is the land of the Barunggam people, who, for thousands of years, have walked gently on this Country as part of the Wakka Wakka language group. Our connection to the Darling Downs runs deep, shared with neighbouring clans like the Keinjan, Giabal, Jarowair, Bigambal, Kambuwal, and Jagara—each with their own sacred stories, songs, and traditions.

As an Aboriginal artist, my work is more than a visual experience—it is a spiritual practice, a cultural responsibility, and a personal journey. My inspiration comes from the land, from our Dreaming, and from the teachings of my wise grandad. Through him, I learned that painting is not about aesthetics—it’s about storytelling. Every line, every dot, every colour carries emotion, memory, and meaning.

I do not paint to follow trends or fit into boxes. I paint from feeling and truth. My art is a language—spoken through ochre tones, deep blues, and patterns shaped by the rhythm of Country. It is how I honour my ancestors, how I keep our stories alive, and how I share our culture with the world.

Each piece I create is a declaration:
This is who I am. This is where I come from. This is my story.

Through my work, I hope to offer a glimpse into the soul of Barunggam Country, to connect others with the strength, beauty, and resilience of Aboriginal culture. My art is a tribute to the generations who walked before me—and a message to the generations still to come.