Gathang Warrior

The blue bordering lines trace the mid-north coastline of NSW between Port Macquarie and Newcastle from an aerial view. Inland, blue lines trace the paths of the major rivers and green lines trace some of the spiritually significant mountain regions for the Gathang-speaking tribes.

Within this framework, symbols such as campsites and family travelling signs are depicted both within traditional tribal borders and extending beyond in different colours to represent the connection between Gathang peoples, as well as the complexity of the boundary concept. Furthermore, this flow of movement across regions represents the post-colonial movement of our people and the coming together of different traditional cultures. For example, my family's journey from Wingham and resettling as far as Awabakal land shows how histories can be complex and involve traditions from many Aboriginal tribes.

The geographic landscape also depicts a side profile of a proud Gathang man, representing connection to land and traditional ownership of the land.

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I am a Biripi artist of the Mid-North Coast of NSW and member of the Purfleet-Taree Local Aboriginal Lands Council. I grew up in Armidale NSW on Anaiwan Country and was born in Maitland on Awabakal land. My Aboriginal heritage is Gringai-Biripi-Worimi on my mother’s side. I descend from the Field-Pritchell family of Gloucester/Dungog. My great great uncle (Field) settled in Scone.

My art is about expressing my family story and connection to country through themes of journey and displacement, discovery and the traditional ties to my people related in symbols and stories passed down through the generations. I like to connect these ideas to the land by visually representing the rivers and borders of Country topographically.

I am also an enthusiastic printmaking artist and produce hand pulled linocut prints as well as the acrylic paintings.

I am a doctor in training working on Gumbaynggirr Country and am passionate about improving health care for our people.

Although my skin is not black, my spirit is, and my Aboriginal heritage runs deeply in my blood. Despite dispossession, fragmentation and forgetting, I am so proud to connect to my culture and to others through my Aboriginal art.