Hi Shannon, please tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m a proud Gamilaroi woman living on Worimi Country. I’ve always been creative, but I started focusing on painting as a serious practice a few years ago. It’s become a way to reconnect with culture, share stories, and honour the people and places that have shaped me.
Please tell us a bit about your work.
My work is about connection – to Country, to community, and to culture. I paint using both digital and traditional mediums like acrylic on canvas. My pieces often explore themes of resilience, strength, and belonging. I like to use earthy colours, layered symbols and recurring patterns to reflect movement, memory and story.
Are there any Elders, family members or mentors who’ve inspired your creative journey?
Absolutely. I’ve been inspired by family members who are fantastic artists in their own right – they’ve shown me that creativity is a way of keeping culture alive and sharing our stories with pride. A local Elder also encouraged me early on to keep painting. He generously shared his own artwork and stories with me, and that gave me the confidence to start exploring my own visual language.
I’ve also found inspiration in community – especially the women in a weaving group I’m part of. They’re creative, strong, and deeply connected to culture. Watching them work and share has shaped the way I think about storytelling and art.
I’m also constantly inspired by other Blak artists – seeing the way they tell story, challenge norms, and celebrate culture is really powerful.
How does living on Worimi Country influence your art and your everyday life?
Living on Worimi Country keeps me grounded. The bush, the water, the changing light – it all seeps into my work in different ways. I feel a deep sense of responsibility to respect and reflect the beauty and stories of this Country, even though it’s not my own mob’s land. It reminds me daily of the strength and continuity of culture.
You use both digital and traditional techniques – what do you enjoy about blending the two?
Blending the two gives me freedom. Some stories suit canvas, some flow better through digital mediums. It also means I can share work more widely – I love that digital pieces can become downloads, prints or used in different formats, while painting lets me connect more physically with the work. It’s about choosing the right approach for the story I want to tell.
“I’m constantly learning from those who came before me while also holding space for the young ones coming through. Everything I do, whether in art or work, is about building up the next generation.”
What’s your creative process like – do you begin with a story, a colour palette, or something else entirely?
Honestly, I’m not great at getting what’s in my head onto canvas – not straight away. My process is mostly about feel. I might start with a rough idea or a colour palette that’s been sitting with me, but I tend to let the work evolve as I go. It’s not always tidy or planned – I just follow the process and see where it takes me.
What do you hope people feel or take away when they experience your art?
I hope it makes people pause. Maybe feel a sense of pride, connection, or curiosity. If it sparks a conversation or helps someone feel seen, that means a lot. I also hope mob feel ownership – that they see themselves in the stories I tell.
Do you have a favourite piece you’ve created – and what does it mean to you?
One of my favourites is Dhiiyaan / Family, which I’ve shared on my socials. It reflects my journey and the threads of my mob’s story. At the centre are four connected circles representing my little family, surrounded by footprints that show our path together and our connection to Country.
This piece brings me a real sense of calm. When I painted it, I felt close to my ancestors. It’s a quiet celebration of kinship, cultural strength and the love that holds families together. It’s more than a painting – it’s a story of belonging, identity, and legacy.
What advice would you give to young First Nations artists just starting out?
Back yourself, even if you feel unsure. There’s no one right way to create – your story and your way of telling it are valid. Don’t wait until you feel “ready.” Just start creating, keep learning, and find people who support you. Community makes all the difference.
How do you relate to this year’s NAIDOC theme?
“The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy” speaks deeply to me. I think about legacy every day – the kind that’s passed on through stories, leadership, and action. I’m constantly learning from those who came before me while also holding space for the young ones coming through. Everything I do, whether in art or work, is about building up the next generation.
How will you be spending NAIDOC week this year?
I’ll be heading to the Newcastle NAIDOC Celebration at the Foreshore. I’ve also been involved in some community and workplace events, sharing art and joining in yarning circles.
Downloadable art by Shannon
Shannon has kindly shared two of her beautiful artworks as free downloads to brighten up your phone background in celebration of NAIDOC.
