
First Nations artist, a Bundjalung and South Sea Islander (Vanuatu) woman residing on Yugambeh land (Gold Coast, QLD Australia)

About the Artist
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.
GET UP! STAND UP! SHOW UP!
DIGITAL ILLUSTRATION2022
The NAIDOC 2022 theme is an ongoing call for action: Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! to amplify First Nations voices and narrow the gap between aspiration and reality, good intent and outcome.


NOSTALGIA
Acrylic on canvas2020
"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.”
ISLAND TOTEM
Acrylic on canvas2019
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.”


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