ABOUT
Shelley Conway is a First Nations Artist, Bundjalung and South Sea Islander woman, currently residing on Yugambeh land (in Queensland).
2019
marks the beginning of
this collaboration
8
exclusive artworks were
licensed by Life Apparel
23
product variants
have been introduced
ARTIST BIO
Growing up on the Tweed Coast, her family are a mix of Bundjalung and South Sea Islander peoples. Shelley's great grandfather was blackbirded from Vanuatu to cut the sugarcane on the Northern Rivers of NSW. For generations, her family has farmed the Caldera's red soil from the once active volcano known as Wollumbin - The Warrior Chief.
Her connection to self and the world around her reflects her relationship with Mother Nature. She honours her in every way that she can for her spiritual growth and uses her artwork to share the stories that the natural world tells her so that others can see the beauty through her eyes. Always on the look out for new ways to express her passion for nature and humankind, Shelley has a variety of artistic mediums she draws upon.
From sketching to painting on canvas, from hobby photography to most recently exploring her love for digital art, Shelley enjoys keeping it fresh and going with her creative flow. One of my favourite things about digital art is that I can still experiment with mixed mediums. I may plan with a pencil and paper sketch, incorporate any inspirational photos I've taken to set the mood, and then transform the raw design by putting it through creative software.
"Watching my artwork come alive during this process is such a buzz. Having access to hundreds of the most vibrant colour hues at my fingertips and finishing with a polished and print-ready design is quite satisfying."
CONTACT
Work with Shelley
She is available for custom art commissions. Collaborating with you to conceive a unique composition, size and colour palette, Shelley 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 Shelley.
Exclusive Artworks
Designed for
Life Apparel
DIGITAL ART
2023
"Milbany (eagle) soars the skies as we stand on Country attempting to emulate the characteristics of the mighty wedge-tail eagle… confident in our abilities, powerful in our truth, unwavering in our purpose. Proudly flying the banner of our ancestry.
In this piece, the gurumgan (stars) represent The Dreaming and the worlds that we must travel between… the Human World, the Physical World and the Sacred World. But our healing and personal growth are rarely linear; the journey is often fraught with obstacles and challenges that we must overcome, both internally and externally. This journey is our personal gawarima; it cannot be replicated by another, nor should we try to mirror someone else’s path. The experiences we bring with us to this moment are unique to us as individuals, and we can use these to stand strong in our beliefs, rooted in the knowledge that we already have inside us, everything we need to succeed.
Milbany reminds me that we may sometimes fly alone, but there is plenty of room in the sky… room enough for all of us to fly."
DIGITAL ART
2023
"Aboriginality is not just a way of identifying ourselves for others' sake. It is our birthright, our heritage, our ancestry, our lineage, and our experiences. We are proud, we are many, we are diverse, and we are ready.
Our flag calls out to each other within a sea of multiculturalism. Black Yellow Red… is a beacon of hope and a reminder that we are connected across the vastness of this great land. Connected through the work we share - educating, raising awareness and transforming our cultural pain into purpose.
Our Mob are the original custodians of this land, the keepers of Culture, and the voice of seasons; we are the past, the present and the future. We raise the flag, and we raise it proudly!"
DIGITAL ART
2023
"Cultural land and sea management are more necessary than ever before. With colonisation came a form of farming and land management that was, and still is, incompatible with the Australian landscape.
REGRESS to PROGRESS is a message from Country, demanding the old ways return so that She can thrive again. It is a slogan designed to protest for the recognition of the knowledge that First Nations people hold to Care for Country, such as traditional fire burning, seed management, fish trapping, pest and weed control and much more.
Progress has already been made in this area with active projects dappled across the country, but they are few and far between - we still have a long way to go. On a national level, we can do better, and for the sake of this land that we share, we must chant the call to action: REGRESS - PROGRESS - AMPLIFY - SUCCESS!"
ACRYLIC ON CANVAS
2022
"I wanted this piece to feel positive and fun by showcasing some of my favourite elements of Island culture and celebration.
These images and colours reflect warm memories shared during traditional gatherings with family. The brightly coloured flowers represent those that adorn the table tops in abundance as we feast together. The banana leaves arranged together with the fruits that fill our bellies. The younger girls dancing with swaying hips and confident smiles.
A modern take on old traditions, conjuring up joyful memories that feed the soul.”
DIGITAL ART
2022
A clarion call to all Australians to rise, take a stand, and actively participate in the journey toward recognition, justice, and healing for Indigenous peoples.
This design underscores the importance of proactive engagement, urging individuals not to remain passive but to become active allies. Let's challenge everyone to be present, be visible, and be part of the ongoing fight for equality and the preservation of the world's oldest continuous cultures.
DIGITAL ART
2022
Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! A clarion call to all Australians to rise, take a stand, and actively participate in the journey toward recognition, justice, and healing for Indigenous peoples.
This design underscores the importance of proactive engagement, urging individuals not to remain passive but to become active allies. Let's challenge everyone to be present, be visible, and be part of the ongoing fight for equality and the preservation of the world's oldest continuous cultures.
DIGITAL ART
2022
Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! A clarion call to all Australians to rise, take a stand, and actively participate in the journey toward recognition, justice, and healing for Indigenous peoples.
This design underscores the importance of proactive engagement, urging individuals not to remain passive but to become active allies. Let's challenge everyone to be present, be visible, and be part of the ongoing fight for equality and the preservation of the world's oldest continuous cultures.
ACRYLIC ON CANVAS
2019
The cowrie shell has been used for many years in multiple ways from currency to divination, luck and jewelry.
“For me the cowrie is a totem from my childhood. I was always mesmerised by my auntie’s long threads of cowrie jewelry and the vibrant colours decorating her walls. It stirs warm memories of the traditional women in my family and the feeling of belonging to a community connected to both the land and water.”
DIGITAL ART
2023
"Milbany (eagle) soars the skies as we stand on Country attempting to emulate the characteristics of the mighty wedge-tail eagle… confident in our abilities, powerful in our truth, unwavering in our purpose. Proudly flying the banner of our ancestry.
In this piece, the gurumgan (stars) represent The Dreaming and the worlds that we must travel between… the Human World, the Physical World and the Sacred World. But our healing and personal growth are rarely linear; the journey is often fraught with obstacles and challenges that we must overcome, both internally and externally. This journey is our personal gawarima; it cannot be replicated by another, nor should we try to mirror someone else’s path. The experiences we bring with us to this moment are unique to us as individuals, and we can use these to stand strong in our beliefs, rooted in the knowledge that we already have inside us, everything we need to succeed.
Milbany reminds me that we may sometimes fly alone, but there is plenty of room in the sky… room enough for all of us to fly."
DIGITAL ART
2023
"Aboriginality is not just a way of identifying ourselves for others' sake. It is our birthright, our heritage, our ancestry, our lineage, and our experiences. We are proud, we are many, we are diverse, and we are ready.
Our flag calls out to each other within a sea of multiculturalism. Black Yellow Red… is a beacon of hope and a reminder that we are connected across the vastness of this great land. Connected through the work we share - educating, raising awareness and transforming our cultural pain into purpose.
Our Mob are the original custodians of this land, the keepers of Culture, and the voice of seasons; we are the past, the present and the future. We raise the flag, and we raise it proudly!"
DIGITAL ART
2023
"Cultural land and sea management are more necessary than ever before. With colonisation came a form of farming and land management that was, and still is, incompatible with the Australian landscape.
REGRESS to PROGRESS is a message from Country, demanding the old ways return so that She can thrive again. It is a slogan designed to protest for the recognition of the knowledge that First Nations people hold to Care for Country, such as traditional fire burning, seed management, fish trapping, pest and weed control and much more.
Progress has already been made in this area with active projects dappled across the country, but they are few and far between - we still have a long way to go. On a national level, we can do better, and for the sake of this land that we share, we must chant the call to action: REGRESS - PROGRESS - AMPLIFY - SUCCESS!"
ACRYLIC ON CANVAS
2022
"I wanted this piece to feel positive and fun by showcasing some of my favourite elements of Island culture and celebration.
These images and colours reflect warm memories shared during traditional gatherings with family. The brightly coloured flowers represent those that adorn the table tops in abundance as we feast together. The banana leaves arranged together with the fruits that fill our bellies. The younger girls dancing with swaying hips and confident smiles.
A modern take on old traditions, conjuring up joyful memories that feed the soul.”
DIGITAL ART
2022
A clarion call to all Australians to rise, take a stand, and actively participate in the journey toward recognition, justice, and healing for Indigenous peoples.
This design underscores the importance of proactive engagement, urging individuals not to remain passive but to become active allies. Let's challenge everyone to be present, be visible, and be part of the ongoing fight for equality and the preservation of the world's oldest continuous cultures.
DIGITAL ART
2022
Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! A clarion call to all Australians to rise, take a stand, and actively participate in the journey toward recognition, justice, and healing for Indigenous peoples.
This design underscores the importance of proactive engagement, urging individuals not to remain passive but to become active allies. Let's challenge everyone to be present, be visible, and be part of the ongoing fight for equality and the preservation of the world's oldest continuous cultures.
DIGITAL ART
2022
Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! A clarion call to all Australians to rise, take a stand, and actively participate in the journey toward recognition, justice, and healing for Indigenous peoples.
This design underscores the importance of proactive engagement, urging individuals not to remain passive but to become active allies. Let's challenge everyone to be present, be visible, and be part of the ongoing fight for equality and the preservation of the world's oldest continuous cultures.
ACRYLIC ON CANVAS
2019
The cowrie shell has been used for many years in multiple ways from currency to divination, luck and jewelry.
“For me the cowrie is a totem from my childhood. I was always mesmerised by my auntie’s long threads of cowrie jewelry and the vibrant colours decorating her walls. It stirs warm memories of the traditional women in my family and the feeling of belonging to a community connected to both the land and water.”
Exclusive
Buy Shelley's available designs
Authenticity
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.