This artwork is a tribute to the Palawa people, the Tasmanian Aboriginals, and their deep connection to Lutruwita (Tasmania). The intricate dot patterns and flowing forms represent the Dreamtime stories that have been passed down through generations—stories that speak of creation, the land, and the spirits that inhabit it.
The circles and paths symbolize the sacred places of Lutruwita, where the spirits of the land dwell and watch over the Palawa people. The vibrant colors represent the diverse landscapes of Tasmania—from the red ochre earth to the deep blue waters, and the lush green forests. Each section of the painting tells a different part of the Palawa story, woven together to form a larger narrative.
Central to this artwork is the story of how Tasmania was shaped by the forces of nature. Over 10,000 years ago, the land bridge that once connected Lutruwita to mainland Australia was submerged by rising waters. The flowing lines and patterns in the painting represent the mighty elements—wind, water, and fire—that played a role in this transformation. These forces not only shaped the physical landscape but also the spiritual world of the Palawa people, marking the island as a distinct and sacred place.
The white dots trace the spiritual paths of the ancestors, guiding the Palawa people through the land, while the dark background connects these paths to the Dreamtime, a time when the land was formed and the laws of life were set by the ancestral beings.
This piece stands as a testament to the enduring culture and spirit of the Palawa people, their resilience, and their deep bond with the land of Tasmania—a connection that has persisted through the millennia, even as the landscape itself has changed.