We are proud to present Bundjalung, Yuggera and Bidjara man Steven Bekue’s debut collaboration with Yarn. Steven dedicates the artwork to “the fathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers and father figures in our lives” who are role models, teachers, and support systems to our young people.
“The artwork represents showing love and respect to all the fathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers and father figures in our lives and appreciating everything they do for us.
As fathers it’s important to be present and set an example to be the best role models we can to help guide and mould our jarjums (children) on their journey through the early stages of their life into adulthood, teaching them respect, love, appreciation and helping them to find the best version of themselves. To all the fathers and father figures doing an amazing job: you are appreciated.” - Steven Bekue
The design features father symbols, boomerangs, and animal tracks and tells the story of the journey from childhood to adulthood, and how this is shaped by learning culture and knowledge from father figures and elders.
Steven runs Bundjalung Dreamingwhere he shares his love of Country, art and culture with the world.
“I‘m an Australian Aboriginal Artist named Steven Bekue. I’m a proud Bundjalung, Yuggera and a Bidjara man. I was born and raised on the Gold Coast by my mother alongside my two brothers and sister. I’m now raising three children of my own on the Gold Coast. Being a Saltwater man and growing up on the coastal lands of the Bundjalung Nation, I would go crabbing, fishing & oystering with my uncles, brothers and cousins. I always feel the spiritual connection to the saltwater, and it gives me healing when I’m close to it.
What inspired me to begin painting was growing up watching my family members create amazing pieces of Indigenous artwork and I always had a passion for art. I began painting and telling my stories of what I’ve learnt about my culture and where I grew up through my artwork. My love for art isn’t only because of the strong passion for my Aboriginal culture, but also the healing it gives me and coping mechanisms to express myself through my artwork. It makes me so happy to be able to teach people about our culture, keeping it strong and alive.”
“I love everything about it, really. I just love how it connects me to my culture. I love how I’m able to share the stories of my culture to the world. And I just love the healing side of it”...
Read more about Steven’s inspirations, artistic journey and debut Yarn collection Deadly Dads
