Jason King is a First Nations artist, a proud Gumbaynggirr man, currently residing on Bundjalung Country (New South Wales).
2021
marks the start of our creative collaboration
1
exclusive artworks licensed and celebrated
9
unique products made for impact
Introduction
Jason was born in Murwillumbah, raised in Tumbulgum, and has lived on Bundjalung Country in the Tweed Valley his whole life. He is a proud descendant of the Bundjalung (Tweed Valley) and Gumbaynggirr (Coffs Coast) peoples. Jason is inspired by the original storytellers of Australia—desert painters, ancient rock art, Aboriginal dance, language, and song.
Jason has had a strong relationship with nature and the land for much of his life. Through learning and sharing language and culture, he has developed a deeper connection to Bundjalung Country, where he grew up, and to his ancestral land, Gumbaynggirr. He comes from a large, culturally diverse family and has strong connections to the local community.
Recently, Jason has been inspired to respectfully gather, blend, and paint with the rich collection of colours found in natural ochres unearthed across Bundjalung land. He integrates storytelling into his artworks, drawing inspiration from nature, life events, and experiences. Jason hopes that his appreciation of storytelling and his passion for Aboriginal and Islander culture resonate with those viewing his artworks.
"I am inspired by the original storytellers of Australia—desert painters, ancient rock art, Aboriginal dance, language, and song. I integrate storytelling into my artworks, drawing inspiration from nature, life events, and experiences."
Work with Jason
Custom art commissions are available. Collaborating with you to conceive a unique composition, size and colour palette, Jason 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 Jason.
Story: The centre of this artwork represents the path that an Indigenous Transgender person (Sista Girl or Brotha Boy) travels in their journey to be, or become, their true self. Fingerprints symbolise identity – it does not matter how others see me; I will always be this person.
The colourful spirals represent the cross-section of a banana plant, which produce both male and female flowers on a single plant. As banana plants only fruit once, they are cut down after fruiting which then encourages new growth. This is similar to setting our past free, to move on and grow. The outer sections of the artwork represent the Indigenous Transgender person and their connection to Community - being supported and accepted within their Indigenous culture and being part of the LGBTIQ+SB communities far and wide. As this support grows and becomes more visible to the broader population, it is hoped that acceptance amongst the public is also improved. Blue & green reflects nature – the rivers and oceans, and the rainforests, trees, and plants – symbolising that we are all connected, and we are all a part of nature.
The inclusion of Hibiscus flowers is an acknowledgement to my Melanesian heritage, but also because Hibiscus flowers are also known in nature as a ‘perfect flower, having both male and female parts.
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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