Kaya! My name is Natalie Clark-Jackson, and I am a Noongar artist from the Southwest of Western Australia.
My artist's name Djarliny translates as the word flame in English and was chosen to reflect the passion that drives my creative practice. Through vibrant colour and expressive form, I create work that invites reflection and dialogue. Art, to me, is a medium for healing and understanding. Each piece is an exploration and opening conversation about spirituality, connection, and what binds us together. My mother's family are Saltwater People from the Wardandi | Bibblumun Noongar Nation, where culture has always been at the heart of who I am. My Maternal Great-grandmother kept our family deeply connected to country and culture. My father is from the Balladong Noongar Nation. While I honour this heritage with pride, I continue to strengthen my connection to his country. My paintings celebrate both ancestral realms, the lands I know intimately and the territories I'm learning to walk with. I'm committed to building meaningful relationships through my work and honouring the rich diversity of our shared experience.
Artistic Training
I am a self-taught artist. I use painting as a medium for healing, expression, and connection to country and self. The canvas is my sanctuary — a space where my emotions flow freely and my palette is a reflection of my own essence, with colours, chosen not just for their aesthetic appeal but for their capacity to convey feelings, memories, and the deep connection to people, places and land.
Artist Statement
At the core of my work is an exploration of identity, both personal and cultural. Through vibrant colours and expressive forms, I examine what it means to be a Noongar person in contemporary society.
My artwork is a celebration of cultural heritage and personal growth, reflecting on the multiple layers that shape who we are. I hope to encourage viewers to engage with the world from a more empathetic perspective and hope that my art serves as a mirror, reflecting the multifaceted nature of human experience.
Through a dedication to exploring themes of identity, spirituality, perception, and connection, I hope to transcend personal narrative to engage with broader societal issues with each piece inviting reflection and dialogue, showcasing my belief in the power of art as a catalyst for healing and understanding. I remain committed to fostering connections within the community and celebrating the diverse tapestry of human experience.