Maria Watson-Trudgett is a First Nations consultant and Aboriginal artist of Wiradyuri people, currently resides on Yugerra Country (Queensland).
2021
marks the start of our creative collaboration
3
exclusive artworks licensed and celebrated
37
unique products made for impact
Introduction
Maria is a Koori woman of the Wiradjuri people, ‘freshwater Country’. She is a self-taught artist who paints in acrylics. Painting quietens her mind, creates a sense of belonging, and supports her in connecting with her people, culture and Country.
Maria says ‘Country’ is all things; it is a place of belonging and a way of life. Country incorporates rivers, creeks, waterholes, hills and valleys, plants, animals and people. Country embraces the seasons, constellations of the sky, and traditional and contemporary Stories. These elements are reflected throughout her artworks.
Maria’s painting style is a contemporary fusion of abstract art and iconography (Aboriginal symbols). She uses flowing lines and groups of symbols to narrate her stories. Maria echoes the way her Elders communicated with her, drawing flowing impressions and symbols into the ground and sharing knowledge of Country. She mimics these same movements in her artworks as a way of preserving her cultural traditions.
Maria has been painting for more than two decades and has exhibited nationally in various galleries and exhibitions, including Parliament House. She has created many commissioned artworks for corporate organisations and private collectors, both nationally and internationally.
"Art, symbols, storytelling. Sharing stories, the way my old people did."
Work with Maria
Custom art commissions are available. Collaborating with you to conceive a unique composition, size and colour palette, Maria 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 Maria.
Story: The 2026 theme marks five decades of NAIDOC as a nationally recognised movement celebrating First Nations culture, resilience and community leadership. It reflects on the journey and the role NAIDOC continues to play in building respect, understanding and a shared future.
This artwork represents endurance, resilience, strength, and cultural continuity. Painting entirely in symbols is a deliberate choice, representing the survival of the world’s longest living culture. Aboriginal symbols are an essential visual language, conveying complex narratives and serving as a vital connection between artists and culture.
The symbols depict people gathering and sharing knowledge, as well as rivers, waterholes, hills, ceremonial sites, and body paint designs, including lines, dots, and circles.
Gabar Ngurambang
Gabar Ngurambang
Medium: Acrylic On Canvas Year: 2023
Story: Over the generations, my Elders have played an important role in my life. Their lived experiences and teachings have shaped the person I am today. I draw strength from their struggles, hardships, and the racism they endured, and I continue to draw strength from their determination to survive. I am empowered by their teachings, activism, knowledge, and wisdom, all of which have paved the way for generations to come.
Now that I am an Elder, their determination and resilience have propelled me on my journey of sharing cultural knowledge and my passion for positively influencing people’s attitudes and awareness of First Nations peoples and diverse cultures. Our Elders are trailblazers, leaders, nurturers, and survivors. My Elders, My Culture, My Community.
Maria shares her cultural knowledge through art, the stories behind the artwork, and in a professional capacity as a Cultural Consultant and First Nations Strategic Advisor. Her paintings are inspired by her connections to Wiradjuri Country.
Bila Ngurambang
Bila Ngurambang
Medium: Acrylic On Canvas Year: 2021
Story: "Bila" and "Ngurambang" are words from the Wiradjuri language, meaning river and country. The Wiradjuri people, also known as ‘river people,’ were skilled hunter-fisher-gatherers who lived and moved along the rivers and surrounding landscape, sourcing food for survival and caring for Country. 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 everyone’s responsibility. It is crucial to broaden our awareness, compassion, and respect to embrace all living creatures and the natural environment. Biodiversity will not be maintained through inaction—stand with First Nations people to care for Country.
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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