Summary

Artist's statement:

The key message I want to convey is the road to health for First Nations is through well organized networks and communications between each sector, driven by the spirit of our people.

I depict a picture of optimism seen in the deep, bright colours which representing our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The larger sphere represents national and regional organizations. The mid size sphere represents local organizations. The smaller sphere represents our population of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. The luminous core in each sphere is the spirit of the people. The waves of colour represent the guiding spirit of the elders. All of this is occurring on a background of the land and sea through time as indicated by the changing light. I left the borders incomplete to suggest unity outside of what I have depicted.

I have enjoyed this challenge and I feel that converting my hand sketched art to digital art allowed me to create perfect symmetry of symbols and connecting patterns to show clear paths of communication and networks driven by the spirit of our people.

JCU General Practice Training Program Artwork Series

James Cook University (JCU) General Practice Training program is the regional provider of general practitioner training in regional, rural and remote Queensland. JCU is committed to delivering a high quality program for GP Registrars and working with partners to achieve better health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

In 2018, JCU commissioned Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from across Queensland to design artworks that were representative of a story about the provision of healthcare in the community, for the community, and by the community. The resulting 13 artworks are now proudly displayed in our regional offices across Queensland and featured in JCU resources. This series of commissioned artworks, consisting of paintings, prints and graphics, represents a wide range of artists from early career to professionals who regularly exhibit. Artists included in the series are Sharon Caulfield, Lyndon Davis, Kevin Edmondstone, Karen Hall, Matthew Humphries, Michael McGuane, Anthony 'Gesa' Pilot, Nicky Bidju Pryor, Brian Robinson, Chern'ee Sutton, Janeece Thompson "Goungee" (Water Lily), Belynda Waugh and Nicole Wone.