A Celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Creatives
Here at NMJ, we understand the time, dedication and care which goes into each and every handmade object. We are passionate about sharing with our community pieces of art which embody the true beauty of creating from the heart and beyond.
In honour of NAIDOC week, and as Christmas is around the corner, we wanted to shine a light on some of our teams’ favourite Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives who have stories to tell and lessons to teach. We look forward to bringing you a selection of special pieces to our store in the new year.
Explore our curated Gift Guide below.
Rachel Saraa
Rachel’s style is feminine, fun and engaging but is strongly drawn from her heritage and her role as an Aboriginal woman in a modern world.
Brad Turner
Brad uses a contemporary style of Indigenous art with an aim to build relationships, connect people from all walks of life and unite communities with my culture. We love his mix of earthy, coastal tones and vibrant colours.
Penny Evans
Penny creates ceramics, collaged works on paper, prints and film, celebrating her Gamilaraay Aboriginal cultural heritage in combination with her personal graphic style.
Blackshell Art
Artist and founder of Blackshell Art, Laila calls her art practice a contemporary manifestation of her connection to country.
Fibre Art by Sophie
Sophie is inspired by the flora and fauna that surrounds her, particularly Gumnuts and wattle.We love Sophies approach to sustainability with all her materials being recycled, second hand or found in nature.
Earth Blended
Earth Blended create a mix of traditional and alternative healing through essential oil blends and storytelling through contemporary Aboriginal art. Jame's passion is driven from a place of culture and family, in particular her matriarch.
Matakupaat Arts
Creating for me has always been Kenita-Lee McCartney's way to express emotions, experiences, healing and self care. Kenita-Lee is a proud Wemba Wemba, Wiradjuri, Wotjiboluk, Neri Neri and Boon Wurrung woman and art is a way for her to express her emotions and experiences.
Jade Lister-Buttle
Jade is an Australian contemporary abstract artist & proud descendant of the Mirning people. She is living and painting full-time in Boorloo/Perth on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar land.
Waymbul Studios
Hand-built ceramics and paintings define Meg Croydons art and while she doesn't current have ceramics available, her prints can be downloaded immediately for a quick, yet meaningful gift.
Gurrawin Indigenous Organisation
Gurrawin is an Indigenous Organisation that provide cultural experts in Aboriginal Lore and Culture and provide authentic traditional and modern experiences, products and workshops in NSW. We love the idea of sharing knowledge and gifting an experience this Christmas.
What is NAIDOC Week?
NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia annually to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities, but by Australians from all walks of life. Normally held in the first week of July, 2020 has seen National NAIDOC Week be pushed out to 8 - 15 November. This year more than ever our community needs to come together to celebrate our strength in our cultural identity, country and our relationships with each other.
This year the theme for National NAIDOC Week is Always Was Always Will Be recognising that First Nations people have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years. Read more here.
Acknowledgement of Country
We respectfully acknowledge the Garigal People of Guringai Country, who are the traditional custodians of this land that Natalie Marie Jewellery calls home; where our staff and family create, learn and work. We more widely acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the traditional custodians of this vast continent, whose extraordinary culture is amongst the oldest in human history.
We pay our deepest respects to all Elders - past, present and future - who carry the life of this land in their spirit, and protect the traditions, rich culture and the hopes of their people. We strive towards an enriched appreciation of this cultural heritage, and a greater awareness of the truth of our history, so that we may move together towards reconciliation and healing as a nation.
Inspiration
We were inspired by @sar.ra__ to share the owners of the land we are on, and together, we encourage you to do the same this NAIDOC week. Reach out and establish a relationship to local community groups or visit your local library or council to find out more about the Aboriginal land that you are on. Click here to use @sar.ra_ ‘s image to share.
Header image by @sar.ra__