Holly McLennan-Brown

Yorta Yorta Woman

Holly is a proud Yorta Yorta woman and Artist. She has always had a lot of pride in her family, her country and her culture and is so grateful that through art she can share her pride with others. Though she grew up in the eastern suburbs of Naarm she has always kept a close connection with her Yorta Yorta country. She grew up watching her uncle create magnificent pieces of art throughout her childhood, these artworks shaped her creativity.

Holly was encouraged to continue her artistic endeavours when she saw that she could use her art as a tool to engage new people with her culture. It makes people perceptive to conversations that may not have been had before. She loves that it promotes education which then turns to understanding.

@koorietales

Artworks

The Beginning

I made this piece for my baby Billy. I’ve always loved the idea of parents writing a letter to their little one on their birthday each year. I thought why not paint a piece each year. Explore his personality as he grows, his achievements, special days from his year. This piece is the beginning of this journey. His dad and I coming together, his name sake and elements of my pregnancy journey.

Our Line

This piece was inspired by my nan. While the artwork itself shows our family, it was actually inspired by a few of her creations. Her walls are full of art, photos, crafts, everything you could imagine. Amongst the walls she has beautiful hand sewn family trees. There’s something about them I just love, I’ve always been drawn to them. I wanted to create something similar for myself. We have a huge family but I kept this one simple and used my dad, his brothers and myself and my cousins as the foundation.

Freshwater, Saltwater

A network of waterways like my veins in my body. My community takes the centre. My mum grew up on the ocean and my dad near the river. Being brought up by people who gravitate to the water shapes you, I’ve now learnt to use it as my own healing and calming tool.