I’d like to introduce you to my inaugural painting series Nyarntiny, a Kija word meaning gum tree, influenced by and a tribute to my late grandfather, Bill Gregory (Pop).

Pop passed away aged 100 years earlier in 2022, in his hometown of Benalla, on Pangerang Country in north-eastern Victoria. Here, he lived relatively independently for nearly 80 years, in the same property that he raised his five daughters in, alongside his beautiful wife (my Nan).

Since Pop’s passing, I’ve reflected on the pivotal role that both he and Nan played in all stages of my life and established that life as I knew it, would never be the same. Such heartbreak has also made me reminisce all the fond memories that we shared, like riding bikes in the backyard with my sisters and curling up beside the heater on a cold Winter’s morning.

With Nan and Pop’s property backing on to the Showgrounds, nature was never too far away, nor was a sense of freeness to create and play in the country air. Ever since I was I young, I recall being in awe of the mighty gum trees that overhung their fence, sturdy and calming and the home to many birds that were like pets to Pop. Their sheer size and the uniqueness have always intrigued me. The pieces in this series are each inspired by the beauty of their markings and layers. To me, they represent the different stages of our lives, and the pathways and journeys we take throughout them. They speak for all moments – from joyful times to sombre days, and absolutely everything in between grandfather’s heritage and our people – the Saltwater People of Bardi Country. The wave-like motion embedded within these pieces further honour the transformative essence of the ocean.

This collection holds special significance to my young family. Created during the final stages of my second pregnancy, I continued painting until just hours before my son Reef was born. Witnessing Reef and my daughter Salty embrace their inherited love for the ocean, is truly precious.