Aboriginal contemporary design studio Milbi Designs was founded in 2020 by award-winning visual artist Anthony J. Walker - from the Yiman, Ghungalu and Gooreng Gooreng peoples of Central Queensland - to share stories and designs inspired by Anthony’s grandparents’ Freshwater & Saltwater Country.
‘Milbi’ means ‘turtle’ (either long-necked freshwater turtle or sea turtle depending on the region) and ‘story’ / ‘storytelling’ across several Queensland language groups.
Now based on Arakwal Country in Byron Bay, Milbi Designs offers collectors the unique opportunity to purchase artwork directly from the artist.
As an Aboriginal owned & operated design studio, Milbi Designs is registered with Supply Nation and an artist member of the Indigenous Art Code.
More about Anthony Walker:
Through his work, Anthony engages with the natural environment and expresses his inner connection to the landscape.
Having originally trained as a Park Ranger, Anthony also seeks to raise awareness about the preservation of native flora and fauna. Growing up on the Sunshine Coast and currently residing in Byron Bay, Anthony draws inspiration from the landscape and coastlines of Southern Queensland and Northern New South Wales, as well as his grandparents’ Country.
Anthony’s work has been critically acclaimed for its light-hearted design and blend of colour and movement. Achievements include: participating in Wesfarmers Indigenous Arts Leadership Program (National Gallery of Australia), undertaking a curatorial residency at the Museum of Contemporary Art (Sydney), winning the Gold Coast Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award, and having a solo exhibition at Melbourne’s Koorie Heritage Trust Centre.
Anthony previously served as the Indigenous Arts Development Officer for Arts Northern Rivers, and the Aboriginal Arts Development Officer for Regional Arts NSW.