ART BY ALISON SIMPSON
My name is Alison Simpson. I am from the Galare (Kalarie) people of the Wiradyuri nation, from Central NSW, as well as Birapa Birapa and Wemba Wemba from North-West Victoria.
I am culturally connected to many other tribal groups and places. I currently live and work on Thaua & Djiringanj Country within the Yuin nation, which I have done on and off for the past 26 years.
I commenced my artistic journey in 2013 for therapeutic purposes and have been painting in my spare time ever since. My artworks are usually acrylic paint on canvas which are bright and contemporary. Each piece of work I create tells a story and my inspiration comes from my surroundings and the environment which I am in, whether that be the landscape, the people I’m with or my experience at the time.
I am available for commission work, prints and original work are often available for sale. Please contact me to discuss if interested.
Find out more about my art on my Facebook and Instagram
featured Artwork
Jaanda Minga and Boori (Whale Mother and Baby)
Jaanda Minga Boori are Aboriginal words from the ‘south coast language as spoken by Elders’ language dictionary (Eden NSW) and means humpback whale mother and baby.
From May to November each year, the humpback whales – or the Jaanda - start their migration South to Antarctica. Between August and November, you will see many of these Jaanda on the far south coast of NSW where they stop along the way to feed their young. During this time, they put on a spectacular show for onlookers who get to witness these majestic animals in the wild breaching and doing tail slaps.
Size: A3 (297 x 420 mm)
Paper Thickness: Premium
Stock: Recycled Matte
Backside: Colour
Orientation: Horizontal
Women's Business
The large gathering on the painting (top left) represents our Aboriginal women, particularly the older ones. The matriarchs of our communities. The women who keep our communities together, they hold knowledge and wisdom. You can recognise them as women because beside them are the coolamon and digging sticks, predominant tools that women would use when gathering food.
The smaller gathering (bottom right) represents the younger women and girls. The younger ones who are learning from their Elders. The pathways in between both gatherings represent the knowledge that passes from the older generation to the younger one.
The knowledge that is taught and learnt is fed not only into the women but is returned into the landscape and surroundings. Feeding back into where knowledge comes from – Country, Mother Earth.
Size: A3 (297 x 420 mm)
Paper Thickness: Premium
Stock: Recycled Matte
Backside: Colour
Orientation: Vertical
Life's Journey
This artwork depicts the story of life's journey. Each of the three gatherings represent past, present and future and has the spirit which enters each part of life's journey with us. Although we may physically pass from this world, our life doesn't end because our spirit continues to live on.
Size: A3 (297 x 420 mm)
Fold: Flat
Paper Thickness: Premium
Stock: Recycled Matte
Backside: Colour
Orientation: Horizontal
Ancestral Lands and Waterways
This painting depicts the story of our ancestral lands and waterways and how everything within the environment was cared for and nurtured by our ancestors.
The painting showcases Elders passing on knowledge to children, young people and adults of the protocols and processes of the importance of how to look after and care for Country, including our waterways.
Each of us, no matter our age, have a responsibility and obligation to look after mother earth and everything that has been created within it.
Size: A3 (297 x 420 mm)
Paper Thickness: Premium
Stock: Glossy
Backside: Colour
Orientation: Vertical
Yanda Biratj (walk and talk)
This painting depicts the journey of the revitalisation of the South Coast Language as Spoken by Elders (Eden NSW). The grandmother / grandfather tree is the centre of this artwork because of what a tree represents literally and metaphorically, particularly with reference to the language.
The tree represents the wisdom of our Elders. Because of their hard work, dedication and commitment, we are able to access, speak and share the ancient language.
Size: A3 (297 x 420 mm)
Fold: Flat
Paper Thickness: Premium
Stock: Recycled Matte
Backside: Colour
Orientation: Horizontal
Olive Tree Peace
This painting depicts the story of living a life of peace.
The olive branch, which is the main focus of the artwork symbolises reconciliation, friendship, healing and most of all peace. Peace which is what we should extend to others but also strive to live with and in.
The olive tree has said to live up to 1500 years with an average lifespan of about 500 years, reflecting the hope of a long and prosperous life.
The painting also represents the strong connection between family and their links with peace and longevity.
Size: A3 (297 x 420 mm)
Paper Thickness: Premium
Stock: Glossy
Backside: Colour
Orientation: Vertical
Bundian Way Trilogy - Piece 2 of 3
This was a collaborative piece I have done with Yuin / Gamilaroi man, Joe Stewart.
The painting is one of a trilogy set which depicts the story of the Bundian Way, an Aboriginal songline or shared pathway connecting people from the mountains to the seas (approximately 365kms).
The centre design represents a place of gathering signifying the ceremonial grounds of both Bilgalera Beach (fisheries Beach in Eden NSW) where the Aboriginal people would have whale ceremonies – thus why there is a picture of the whale, and also Targangal (Mt Kosciuszko NSW) where the Aboriginal people would have bogong moth ceremonies – thus why the moth is on the painting.
The section below (underneath the gathering) is part of the Bundian Way pathway from an aerial view. When the trilogy set are combined, the entire aerial view of the Bundian Way can be seen.
Size: A3 (297 x 420 mm)
Paper Thickness: Premium
Stock: Recycled Matte
Backside: Colour
Orientation: Vertical
Lyre Bird
Size: A3 (297 x 420 mm)
Fold: Flat
Paper Thickness: Premium
Stock: Recycled Matte
Backside: Colour
Orientation: Vertical
Gadu Bilima (Sea Turtle)
Gadu Bilima are Aboriginal words from the ‘south coast language as spoken by Elders’ language dictionary (Eden NSW).
Size: A3 (297 x 420 mm)
Fold: Flat
Paper Thickness: Premium
Stock: Recycled Matte
Backside: Colour
Orientation: Horizontal