Colours of Djilba Ed. 1 of 1

SECOND RAIN - SEASON OF CONCEPTION - AUGUST & SEPTEMBER

Djilba is welcomed by the bright yellow flower of many Acacia varieties. Mindaleny (Prickly Moses - Acacia pilchella) is one of the first to be seen. The weather is cold, and birds are taking shelter from the sudden showers, then busy themselves with nest preparation during the mild sunny days. Food is abundant and animals begin pairing to prepare for offspring. Yonga (Kangaroos) and weitj (Emus) are taking advantage of the new growth and venture further inland as water sources are replenished and food is in abundant supply.

The foraging habit of Emus teaches their young how to survive and also helps to deliver seeds to new areas for future growth, maintaining the reliable food source. Possums (Ngwir) are extremely territorial and will venture out during the night but always return to their home tree where the koormal (female possum) starts to prepare a den for new offspring while the kelang (male possum) helps to collect soft supplies. The Galyang (Ridgid wattle - Acacia cochlearis), Kudjong (Orange wattle - Acacia salinga) are expected to burst with colour and gloriously flower mid-season.

As we progress though the Season and the weather warms, we can expect protective koolbardi (magpies) to guard their nest area by swooping upon uninvited guests, the djidi djidi (willy wagtail) dances to distract and chase larger birds and predators away with a swoop and loud clicking sound. The brushtail possum sometimes takes bird eggs for protein and is relentlessly chased away by the djidi djidi. Nearing the end of the Season, the grass tree (balga) will grow magnificent flower stalks and the yellow-green large cone flowers of the poolgarla (bull banksia - banksia grandis) can be seen. Traditionally, the cones were used to start campfires (karla) and were also useful for transporting the hot fire coals to a new location.

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Kaya!

My name is Natalie Clark (Jackson)

I was born in the coastal town of Undalup (Busselton), which is situated in the Southwest of Western Australia. I am from the Wardandi/Bibbulman Noongar Nation on my mother's side and the Ballardong Noongar Nation on my father's side. My totem spirit animal, is the Blue-tongue Lizard, known in my local dialect as Yoorn and my Artist-name Djarliny translates from Noongar to English as flame.

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.

Painting fuels my ability to shatter my own limits, to discover, to innovate and to grasp numerous intricate situations and strive to find solace in overcoming them. Through Art, I am enabled to release my voice, to broaden my horizons, to unravel the enigmas within and around me as painting has offered me an instrument to use colour to conquer my emotions and explore connections.

By presenting complex emotional scopes, 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.