Dance of The Brolgas

BROLGA WAS A YOUNG GIRL who loved to dance. She lived in a time when women and girls were not allowed to dance, but had to sit down and keep the beat, while the men danced.
One day, Brolga could not help herself. She jumped up and joined the men in the dance. At first her people were horrified that a young girl dared to dance. When they saw how well Brolga could dance, they all said she should be allowed to dance.
Before long, her fame spread throughout the land, and people came from everywhere to watch Brolga dance. All the men fell in love with Brolga and they all wanted to marry her.
But Brolga refused, saying, “No! I want to dance!” She said, “If I married, I would be too busy looking after the children; cooking, cleaning and finding food. All I want to do is dance.”

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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.