Bila – Nguram-bang (River Country)

I created this artwork for NAIDOC 2022. The theme was GET UP! STAND UP! SHOW UP! and a call for action to amplify First Nations voices and narrow the gap between aspiration and reality, good intent and positive outcome.

I painted the artwork with the intention of creating awareness of Biodiversity.

Story - For tens of thousands of years, First Nations people have managed their land and its inhabitants to ensure environmental harmony and sustainability. Keeping balance in the environment is central to our people’s way of thinking, being, and connection to spiritual and cultural identity.
The impacts of climate change are exacerbating our ability to protect and maintain significant biodiversity across Australia and the globe.
Biodiversity is important for all people and the survival of humanity. Biodiversity is everyone’s responsibility.
I urge you to broadening your awareness, compassion, and respect to embrace all living creatures and the natural environment.
Stand with us in Caring for Country.
Biodiversity will not be maintained through inaction!

The artwork depicts my Country and my passion and connection to it.

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My paintings express my connections to my Aboriginal Culture in contemporary expressions of now!

I am a ‘fresh water’ woman’ of Wiradyuri people. I am a self-taught artist and work in acrylics. Painting quietens my mind and supports me connect with my Culture, Country, and Ancestors. It creates a sense of belonging and strengthens my Aboriginal identity.

I have been painting and exhibiting for more than 2 decades, and I have created many commissioned artworks for private collectors and organisations, both national and international. I have created artworks for national projects, Reconciliation Action Plans, NAIDOC merchandise, branding icons for organisations and more.

My Artistic Expression
My painting style is a contemporary fusion of abstract art and iconography, which is Aboriginal symbols. I use flowing lines and groups of symbols, to narrate my story. These movements echo the way my old people communicated with me while drawing flowing impressions and symbols into the ground. This was their way of sharing knowledge with me. The visual representations are vivid in my mind, and I mimic the same movements in my artworks as a way of preserving my cultural traditions. I sometimes use dots to narrate a story.

My Culture, My Stories
Mostly I paint stories of the rivers, family and my Country landscape where I grew up - Wiradyuri Country,
Wiradyuri people are ‘River People’, experienced environmental scientists, (skilled hunter, fisher, gathers and bush trackers). Growing up by the rivers and in the surrounding bush was my way of life and is an important element of my connection to family, culture and Country.
For me ‘Country’ is all things, it is a place of belonging and a way of life. Country incorporates the rivers, creeks, waterholes, hills, mountains and valleys, plants, animals, and people. Country embraces the seasons and constellations of the sky and the stories passed on from my old people and Elders. These elements are often reflected in my artworks.

Aspirations & Aims
To preserve and share my Aboriginal art and culture with others. All purchases contribute to the preservation of the longest living culture. Thank you!

For you
My artworks come with a gift card, the artworks story, my artist bio, and a personal letter of authenticity.

Please observe the below copyright information for safeguarding my Aboriginal culture and intellectual property.

Copyright
All artwork is subject to copyright and remains the intellectual property of Maria Watson-Trudgett. Artworks may not be photographed, copied, used on other people’s social media, company branding, be printed or distributed, or used for the purpose of financial gain, unless a Copyright Licensing Agreement is in place with the artist.

Kindly
Maria