Holly Sanders

Buregah Jagun

This piece represents the relationships and connections with the ocean and our ancestors. Sacred ocean country holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for Aboriginal saltwater people. The flowing patterns and colours represent saltwater and Ocean Country.

The concentric circles represents our strong sense of connectedness to the ocean and saltwater, which underpins our Aboriginal culture. The path lines across the canvas depict our life journeys and our ancestors who are always present and guiding us through our journey of the Dreaming.

We are always connected to the land, the saltwater and our ancestors are forever with us.

Women on Country

For over a thousand generations, women have guided and supported each other on Country. Women have carried our Dreaming, song lines, languages and bush food and medicine knowledge. This has kept our culture strong and enriched us as the oldest continuing culture on the planet. Women possess a detailed knowledge of our local environment, knowing which plants hold food and medicinal properties, how to use them, and where to find them. Women are educators, instilling in their jarjums (children) the knowledge of how to locate, gather, prepare food and care for Country.

Wildflowers on Country 

This work piece represents the beauty and abundance of wildflowers on country.
New growth from heavy rains regenerates native wildflowers, which increases food sources and wildflowers for ceremony. The many different varieties of wild flowers, berries, seeds and pods, include many with medicinal properties and nectars used to make sweet drinks. Wildflowers also emphasises the importance of natural regrowth, of renewal, rebirth and the regeneration of Country.

Weaving

This work represents weaving, which is one of the oldest art forms in the world.
Weaving expresses our cultural identity and traditions that date back many thousands of years. Our ancient art of weaving has been used to create food tools, baskets, fishing nets and skin cloaks for warmth. Ceremonial and traditional objects are made from plant materials gathered from the bush or string made from animal and human hair. The various grasses and leaves are stripped into ideal widths, then softened by soaking them in water or by drawing them through hot ashes. Plants, bulbs and leaves required for different weaving methods are collected at specific times of year. Our dilly bags, containers, floor mats and rope are expertly made, showing the skill that has been passed on by women for over a thousand generations.

Wildflowers
This piece represents the beauty and abundance of wildflowers on Bundjalung country. Inspired by new growth from heavy rains, it represents the regeneration of native wildflowers. The many different varieties of wild flowers, berries, seeds and pods, include many with medicinal properties and nectars used to make a sweet drink. Wildflowers also emphasis the importance of natural regrowth, renewal, rebirth and regeneration of Country.

Always Will Be

This work represents sand hills and Country, symbolising our ongoing connection to the land. We have thrived and lived sustainably with the land we now call Australia for more than 60000 years. The warm natural colours represent the sand, ochre and colours of the Country. We are the ancient people of this land - we respect and listen to the land, our elders and the ancient spirits - our ancestors have walked this sacred country for millennia and continue to live on in the land, water and the sky. This connection and relationship to Country continues to remain strong today.

Flannel Flower

The protected Flannel Flower is commonly found growing wild in coastal heath, scrub and dry forest Country. For Aboriginal people, all flowers and plants have a meaning and these indicate their usage under Lore. The Flannel Flower symbolises close relationships, intimacy and healing. It is adaptable and resilient in order for it to survive on Country and is the national symbol used for Aboriginal mental health awareness.

Sun

This painting symbolises the sun and it’s importance to Aboriginal people and culture. Aboriginal people have a rich lore associated with the sky and many stories and ceremonies are tied to the sky. The sun is a woman, and is of great significance, as she is a source of energy, life and protection.

Ngulliboo (All Of Us)

The concentric circles in the background represents the diversity, strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures. It represents our rich heritage, languages, traditions, lore and history - the world's oldest continuous living cultures.

The centre meeting circle and travel lines represents our journey towards a Treaty for our nation, guided by our Elders and our ancestors. It symbolises recognition, voice and an agreement with a truthful understanding of our history, true reconciliation and genuine healing.

The outer meeting place symbols represents our communities in which both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians work collaboratively, acknowledging our true history. It symbolises all of us working together for a shared future, taking pride in and respecting the Indigenous cultures that have cared for and been a part of this land for thousands of years.

Bush Berries

This piece represents bush berries and seeds on Country. Food collected by women such as seeds and fruits, provided a regular diet for Aboriginal Bundjalung families on a daily basis. Bundjalung women possess a detailed knowledge of our local environment, knowing which plants hold food and medicinal properties, how to use them, and where to find them. Women are educators, instilling in their jarjum (children) the knowledge of how to locate, gather, and prepare food.