Ailsa Walsh is an accomplished First Nations artist and storyteller, a proud Lardil, Kullili and Yuggera woman, currently residing on Yuggera Country (Queensland).
2016
marks the start of our creative collaboration
6
exclusive artworks licensed and celebrated
64
unique products made for impact
Introduction
Meet Ailsa Walsh, owner of Wulkuraka Designs, an accomplished Aboriginal artist whose work is a vibrant reflection of cultural heritage and artistic innovation. With a deep connection to her roots and a passion for storytelling through art, Ailsa invites you to explore a world of rich traditions, spiritual depth, and contemporary creativity in her art.
Drawing inspiration from the wisdom passed down through generations, she masterfully combines traditional techniques with a modern artistic sensibility. Her art serves as a bridge between the past and the present, offering viewers a profound glimpse into the enduring legacy of Aboriginal culture while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.
Through a diverse array of mediums, Ailsa captures the essence of Indigenous life, from the Dreamtime stories that shape their worldview to the vibrant landscapes and the animals that inhabit them. Each piece is imbued with a sense of purpose and connection, inviting you to join her on a visual journey that celebrates the beauty, resilience, and cultural richness of her Aboriginal heritage.
"My work is an invitation to explore, learn, and appreciate the profound contributions of Aboriginal culture to the global tapestry of art."
Work with Ailsa
Custom art commissions are available. Collaborating with you to conceive a unique composition, size and colour palette, Ailsa is dedicated to creating an artwork that resonates with your business or cause.
For more information contact Life Apparel and we will get you in touch with Ailsa.
Story: This artwork depicts the Journey. Wherever we travel in life, we leave an imprint of ourselves in the soil. The earth also leaves a mark on us, creating an everlasting connection between us and the diverse landscapes we encounter.
As we continue to set foot on new ground and travel around the country, it is important to remember the imprints we have already made and those that have been made on us.
Weaving Through Time
Weaving Through Time
Medium: Acrylic On Canvas Year: 2017
Story: This artwork depicts people from the desert and near the ocean. It represents mothers, aunties, grandmothers, daughters, and nieces from the vast Indigenous communities. Different regions showcase unique weaving techniques, influenced by the specific trees or plants used, reflecting deeply rooted cultural practices passed down through generations.
This piece is dedicated to Ailsa’s grandmother, Florence Dawson Davidson, a strong elder and Stolen Generation survivor. Through this artwork, Ailsa honours her grandmother's legacy, celebrating her resilience and the wisdom she imparted.
Lore
Lore
Medium: Acrylic On Canvas Year: 2020
Story: This artwork showcases three suns representing the past, present, and future. The same sun that looked after our ancestors is the same one that will look after our future generations. Aboriginal lore was passed on through the generations via songs, stories, and dance, governing all aspects of traditional life. It is important that the messages of our Elders are handed down; our voice is the most powerful tool we have. If you listen closely enough, you will hear our ancestors speak of wisdom through the rock pools, tree lines, and the cracks in the Earth.
This painting is dedicated to all Elders who use their voices. Out of a dark place, they are the beacon of light for us young ones.
Two Worlds
Two Worlds
Medium: Acrylic On Canvas Year: 2021
Story: The inspiration for this piece is the connection between land and sea. More often than not, we see the land and sea as separate entities, but they’re much closer than they appear. As humans, there is plenty we can learn from their profound reliance on one another.
In the top left corner, fresh water and star constellations surround the sun. Emerging from the centre of the sun is the womb, representing the link between land and sea. The lines inside the womb signify signs of life and communication. In the bottom left corner, the ups and downs of nature are depicted. From natural disasters to human interruptions, the spirit of nature ebbs and flows, but it always finds a way to bounce back. When you move your eye to the centre of the painting, you’ll find the earth.
The earth houses layers that represent the depths of the oceans and rivers. To the left of these layers is the DNA of our animals, which sits slightly above coral stretching towards the light. The thick white line represents the purity and coexistence between land and sea. On the right side, you’ll find six cells that represent the building blocks of life. The yellow dots surrounding each cell represent our culture. In the far right corner, you’ll find a small star constellation reflecting off the ocean at night.
Each element reminds us that our culture and DNA are products of the land and sea that surround us.
Guardians' Knowledge
Guardians' Knowledge
Medium: Acrylic On Canvas Year: 2023
Story: This artwork represents our past, present, and future Elders. Their knowledge, dedication, compassion, and ongoing support for all generations are invaluable. We owe them our deepest gratitude for seeing us through tough times and for their enduring wisdom that guides us as we take care of this land we now call Australia.
Their teachings help us understand our story, embrace our present, and look forward to a future where we continue to honour and respect Country.
Our Spirit Within
Our Spirit Within
Medium: Acrylic On Canvas Year: 2024
Story: Our Spirit Within represents us as individuals who strive to better our families, friendships, communities, and ourselves. It embodies the ongoing fight to ensure our native animals and landscapes enjoy the same freedom and protection we do as humans.
Keeping the fire spirit alive within us helps us overcome any hardships and trials, giving us the strength and resilience to face challenges. This artwork vividly showcases this powerful message through colours, patterns and elements inspired by the diverse and breathtaking Australian landscapes.
Life Apparel is an approved signatory of the Indigenous Art Code. This ensures ethical trading, integrity, transparency, and accountability in dealings with First Nations Artists. The code empowers artists, supporting them in achieving fair and transparent commercial opportunities for their art.
We are strong champions of ethical practices in the industry and see the voluntary Code of Conduct as a pivotal means to achieve this, reinforcing our commitment to fostering a culture of respect and fairness for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Artists.
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Acknowledgement Of Country
Life Apparel celebrates and acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we live and work, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging for their generosity and custodianship of Country throughout Australia.
We recognise and honour the ongoing connection and deep spiritual relationship that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to this Country, and acknowledge the unique role they play in caring for and protecting it for future generations. As an Australian-led boutique label and proud allies, we demonstrate our respect for First Nations peoples through our commitments to environmentally sustainable and ethical business practices. We recognise their continuing connection to land and waters, and thank them for protecting our natural resources and ecosystems.
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