This artwork is an intimate reflection of my personal journey and a tribute to my late mother who was also a great Aboriginal Artist, who recently passed away from cancer. Through the vibrant and evocative language of Aboriginal dot art, i share a story of love, loss and connection.
The gathering spots depicted in this piece symbolize my birth and the presence of my mother, surrounded by warmth and unity of our family. As life unfolded, these connection began to fracture, leaving me with her steadfast and caring heart-until the day she, too, departed. The central fire represents both the heart of our gatherings and the consuming spread of cancer that took her from me.
Flowing through the composition is a river stream, signifying the continuity of life-ever moving, despite the pain and challenges. The red dots embody the bonds of family, while the orange hues capture the relentless blaze of illness, and the yellow reflects my feelings of unease and isolation, particularly within community, and the profound sense of being young, lost, and alone in the wake of these events.
This piece serves as both a memorial to my mother and expression of resilience, finding strength in the ongoing flow of life even amidst profound loss.