Colours of Makuru Ed. 1 of 3

FIRST RAIN - FERTILITY SEASON - JUNE & JULY

During the Season of Djeran, several animals began to establish pair bonds that have now transitioned into pairings in preparation for the Fertility Season and the onset of cold weather. Clouds, lightning, and thunder (koondarnangor) perform a wild dance across the sky in the Seasons of Makuru and the start of Djilba.

The skies are filled with the peak of the Makuru Season, featuring heavy rain and cool temperatures. You can always admire the beauty of lightning as swirling winds nourish growth, and the changing air temperature echoes the thunders voice in this Season.

Preparations for Noongar People were already completed for the ongoing move to further inland areas where Noongar people knew they had an abundance of food and water.

Noongar people have always maintained a deep bond with fire (karl), seamlessly integrating it across the Six Seasons. In the Season of Birak, known as the 'Burning Season,' Noongar people practice 'controlled burning' for land renewal but in the Seasons of Makuru and Djilba, it's crucial for warmth, lighting, and cooking.

As the fire practices change, so does the Noongar diet with Kangaroo (yonga) and emu (weitj) being an important source of food this time of year. The Makuru Season sparks the birth of the black swans' (maali) nests, preparing them for breeding.

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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.