Siarn Staley

Dharawal and Awabakal Woman

I am a proud Dharawal woman by heritage, born and raised in Swansea NSW on Awabakal land. Through my art I explore my culture and connections to both Dharawal and Awabakal land, my admiration for Native flora and fauna and try to create art that makes people happy. I always had a passion for creating from a young age, it wasn’t until I was 13 when I did my first contemporary Indigenous painting when I realised creativity wasn’t just a hobby, it was a connection to culture and brought joy to my life, a joy I want to spread to others. Throughout Highschool and University I experimented more with my art making practice, merging my love of all things native and my culture.

@siarnstaley

Artworks

Connections

‘Connections’ represents the travel taken by people to reunite with family members, to make new friends and to keep current friendships. This is the map of life.

Tasman

‘Tasman’ represents the view out to the Tasman ocean at my local beach. The dunes to the water, sun blaring over the
blue, whales migrating and a sea eagle flying overhead.

Flock

A flock of Black Cockatoos flying overhead, calling out to those who need guidance, bringing a new hope for change.

Wetlands

‘Wetlands’ is a depiction of the sun setting over wetlands, creating a golden green glow while Brolga’s dance in the water.

Dawn

Through ‘Dawn’ I am showing the beauty of my local beach at the moment of sunrise. Sea birds flying off for food and a dolphin leaping from the orange ocean as the day begins.

Guuguubarra

‘Guuguubarra’ represents the Kookaburra as a sign of positive change, good luck, and the joy of laughter. Guided by the sun goddess Bila.

Guulaangga

‘Guulaangga’ represents the Green Tree Frog as a connection to the land and a prosperous life. Surrounded by the vital life source of the waterhole.

Ninu

‘Ninu’ represents the Greater Bilby as a connection to the land and their long reaching songlines.

Gilaa

‘Gilaa’ represents the Galah as a symbol of family and community surrounded by the representation of renewal and regrowth.

Wijugla

‘Wijugla’ represents the Pink Cockatoo as a messenger from the spirit world. It’s call bringing omens and well wishes from the spirit world upon the setting sun.

Wy-la

‘Wy-la’ represents the Black Cockatoo as a connection to the spirit world. A pop of colour for the hope it brings, with the sun goddess Bila illuminating its way.