Mussels – River Birthing Place

This artwork is a tribute to the ancient stories held within Wiradjuri Country—stories of mussels, rivers, birthing places, spirit, and sky. For us as Wiradjuri people, the land and waterways are not just physical places—they are living, breathing entities that carry our history, our spirit, and our identity. The mussel, found along the riverbanks of our Country, holds deep cultural meaning. More than a food source, mussels are a symbol of life, renewal, and the deep connections between people and water. In our stories, the river is a place of birthing—a sacred space where new life begins, not just in body but in spirit.
Through this piece, I honour those birthing places—quiet, powerful sites where women connected with Country, and where the river cradled the first breath of new generations. The patterns and textures reflect the gentle flow of water over stone and shell, the rhythm of life moving through the land. The mussels themselves represent strength in softness, grounded in the knowledge and care of those who came before us.
Above, the spirit sky watches over. The stars and constellations are more than distant lights—they are ancestors, guides, and storytellers. They connect us to Dreaming paths that stretch far beyond the horizon. The sky and river speak to one another, holding stories that flow between the worlds. This work is my way of sharing and remembering—connecting spirit, water, sky, and birth. It is a celebration of the sacredness of place and the deep strength of Wiradjuri culture.

Created 2024

Acrylic paint canvas
91.5 x 61 cm