Kin – The Lore of Connection

This artwork, Kin, is a visual expression of kinship—a sacred system of lore that holds deep meaning and structure for
Aboriginal people. Kinship is more than family; it is the foundation of our identity, responsibilities, and how we relate to
one another, to Country, and to spirit. At the heart of this piece are the birthing tree and the bottle tree, powerful symbols of life, protection, and ancestry.
These trees are sacred places—where life begins, where spirit enters the world, and where connections are formed not just between people, but with the land itself. They stand tall as knowledge holders, guiding us with strength and cultural memory.

Flowing through the artwork are bark lines and river paths, representing the stay lines to Country—the spiritual tracks
and inherited ties that bind us to the places we are born, raised, and return to. These connections are not just physical; they are woven through language, story, and ceremonial obligation. Just like the roots of the trees, they run deep and hold firm, even across time. Above, the spirit and sky carry the stories of our old people. The stars are not just lights—they are ancestors watching over us, helping us navigate our journeys and reminding us of our place in the universe. The sky holds the Dreaming; it is the canvas of our beginnings and a guide to our future.

Through this work, I honour the structure of kinship—its balance, its beauty, and its sacred law. It is a system that teaches us how to live in respect, in relationship, and in responsibility to all living things.
Kin is not just a story of people, but a story of Country, spirit, and sky—all interconnected, all belonging to the same
circle of life.

Created 2024

Acrylic paint and coloured pen on canvas - unstretched
91.5 x 61 cm