Gaiya - Devil Dingo

Gaiya or the Devil-Dingo is the main character in one of the Aboriginal Dreamtime stories.
The legend of Gaiya belongs to a few Aboriginal tribes of the Cape York Peninsula.
Gaiya had to hunt and kill men for his boss Eelgin, the grasshopper woman. One day Gaiya was trying to hunt down the two Chooku-chooku men (Butcher-bird brothers), but the brothers speared Gaiya and killed him. The spirit of Gaiya was so angry, and he bit Eelgin on the nose. And that is why grasshoppers have a mark on their noses.
The other version of the story is that Gaiya was not killed but tamed and domesticated by the Aboriginal tribes and became men's friend and hunting partner.
Up to this day, Dingos have an essential role in Aboriginal culture. Women and children travelled with domesticated Dingos for protection, Aboriginal men used them for hunting, and due to Dingos good smelling sense, they were used to locate water.

The artwork is in a black frame with black matt board

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Immersed in the vibrant artistic aura of my South African upbringing, I found my creative spirit ignited by the skilled hands of my mother, an artist herself. Yet, the move to Papua New Guinea and later Australia in 2011 truly allowed my artistic journey to flourish. Amidst the lush landscapes and untamed beauty, I discovered a sanctuary to nurture and hone my craft.
In my art, I seek to encapsulate the rejuvenating essence of nature's embrace, drawing inspiration from the boundless wonders of the outdoors and human form. My ultimate aim is to evoke a sense of plausible wonder, suggesting realms that might have existed. Each piece is a gentle prompt, urging viewers to pause and reconnect with the natural world.

My process is one of intimate observation and immersion, delving beneath the surface to capture the unique soul of my subjects. Even the seemingly mundane finds a place of reverence in my work, each imperfection celebrated as a testament to nature's intricate design. Through my art, I hope to instil in others a deeper appreciation for the overlooked beauty surrounding us.

I weave my narrative across various media, from ink to watercolour to graphite, infusing each stroke with intention and emotion. Yet, the shimmering allure of gold leaf holds a special place in my heart. Symbolising themes of redemption and familial bonds, gold lends an ethereal quality to my creations, echoing the profound connections that define our existence.