Friday, 14 August 2026

Straddie Arts trail

 We had the most beautiful day at the I am Straddie Arts Trail. After a glorious trip on the water by Stradbroke flyer ferry we started the day at the Quampi Art and Culture centre collection. 

"ngaliya ngajagu wagari" (ours to carry) exhibition this exhibition was truly outstanding. A powerful display showing the profound insight into the living stories and artistic legacies of the Quandamooka people.

Not only the artwork but the  building itself has been so thoughtfully and beautifully constructed. A truly peaceful and special place.  If you haven't been I would highly recommend a visit to Quampi.

I really loved this beautiful piece by Sonja Carmichael: biba buni: jingen, jalo,yarabin, ragi (small dilli bags: food and fire, beach and bush part 1.2023-24.


This piece was magnificent done on possum fur. Not sure of the maker.

This is the view outside Quampi. A beautiful and peaceful space. 

While in Dunwich we visited the NSI Museum on Minjerribah and saw the magnificent work of Delvene Cockatoo-Collins. Her pieces share the stories and culture, heritage and techniques passed down by her mother Evelyn and Grandmother Bethel. I truly love and respect her and her work. The integrity and love that is in her work. So many layers and so much hard work goes in to produce such beautiful pieces. Not only an outstanding artist and designer but beautiful person. I was so privileged to have time to chat with her I forgot to take photos but I did purchase this gorgeous carry bag. In the museum the original dilly bag by her grandmother can been seen. It was amazing.






We headed from Dunwich to Point lookout via the public bus. The day was just magic . It was so wonderful to see and converse with so many talented artists. Such a privilege to visit there studios. 
Two of my favourite artists Tamara Armstrong and Paula Boo. Not only incredible visual and fibre artists but great women.


Inspiration all around

I had the good fortune of seeing the Archibald ,Wynne and Sulman Prizes while in Sydney in June. These are some of my favourite works. The above magnificent work is by Illuwanti Ken, Le Shaye Swan, Justine Anderson. Mother eagle makes a nest and home in the Wynne Prize. 

Loved the colour in this beautiful work by Nicole Kelly Bird Hour.

Loved this portrait of Judy Watson by Anna Weston. It was so beautifully painted.

Really loved the winner Illuwanti Ken by Richard Lewer.


At the Contemporary gallery outstanding work by Tony Albert.


In the Queensland Art gallery loved this work by Carlos Amorales Black cloud


Sculptors Queensland Exhibition Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens.

Truly outstanding work by Ben Hellewell.  A worthy Winner of the Shillam prize.