Crossing Country
Acrylic on flat canvas
27.5cm x 35cm
Kashael Bigby
$1000
A special one of a kind piece of work embodying cultural connection and community brotherhood/sisterhood.
One evening a couple of weeks ago my sissy and I were strolling through Redfern like a tomb raider. As we walked past the Indigenous Excellence centre our presence was met by Uncle Shane Williams (First Nations Dreamtime artist).
Worlds collided! We had a beautiful lengthy yarn finding out bits and pieces of each other’s stories. We found out that we share a collected passion for First Nations art. Which extended into being invited to his place to view his folio of work. This opened a new door and opportunity for me to develop and connect with Redfern, Waterloo mob. This is ever so important to me as this was my PURPOSE! To connect to community within my communities and be with my people.
Over the last few weeks I have been overcome by emotion in the best way. Being under ‘Uncles’ wing I have been defeating generational trauma but also claiming my generational strengths, talents and abilities. I am grateful to have this avenue of acceptance. As I continue my path I forward I am going to shape a better me. Healing through culture has helped lil ole me out in ways i cant write out - it is something to be felt.
The background panels are a representation of the colours of our different lands. Orange and brown for uncle (freshwater man), deep blue for sissy (saltwater woman), bright blue for myself (saltwater man). The flow of white spots are the channels of water that inevitably connect us. The magenta swirls identify as the path that connected us with the red spots being our steps of passion leading us towards each other. From Queensland to NSW this connection was meant to be. Murris collaborating with Kooris, HOWS THAT !!?
The sun is definitely the standout for a reason. Even though we only just discovered each other, we have been sharing the same sun and the same love.
I am proud of who I have been, of who I am, and who I am becoming