Painting for me isn’t just about creating art. It’s a spiritual journey, a therapy, and a conversation with my soul. It’s about telling a story, sharing a memory or trying to make sense of a world when I have no words.

My paintings inspired by “Aunties” are the creative direction and journey I am currently embarking on. They have given me strength; they have made me laugh and they have made me cry. Some of them are based loosely on variations of people/memories/places I know, some may be familiar to your own life, or others are those we are yet to meet.

Aunties are not always blood related, but she is like an extension of your mum. Someone can be called Aunty or Aunt, because she is an Elder, or because of her role in Community, or a connection through family systems. Aunties provide love, sustenance & care. They offer mentorship, guidance and can be a voice of reason. They give you the biggest hugs, the loudest cheers, the funniest laughs and the softest shoulder to cry on.

I have been fortunate to grow up with wonderful, strong, hardworking women. I have been surrounded by wonderful Aunties in my family and friends, community and work networks. They “get the job done”, they don’t take any nonsense, and they give me strength and inspiration.

I chose to paint these women with different skin tones, without faces, hair, arms or shoes. In this way, they are anyone we may know, without judgement or status. They stand shoulder to shoulder, solidarity in numbers, matriarchy at its finest.

It’s like my life at this point has come to a junction of crazy, swirling thoughts and feelings in my mind and heart. Menopause plays a big part I am sure – and instead of cursing it, I am celebrating the release! I am embracing my grey, my wrinkles and how they came to be. I desire to be like the women I paint – stronger together for the sake of our children, our families, our community and our world.

My journey so far has been one of twisting and turning, bumpy roads, winding roads, huge mountains, and slippery slopes. From nursing, the Army, lawn mowing, retail, teacher aide, community carer, art and motherhood and now grannyhood! But it’s also one with amazing views.

Remember, there’s always another way to reach your dreams, even if it means taking baby steps. Through sharing my story, and through the stories of Aunties and community, I hope to inspire you to embrace yours. Dive into this colourful journey with me, and let’s create a world filled with beauty, understanding, and most importantly, love.

Yaluu, (see you again soon),

Wendy

My family come from a small town called Goodooga, in NSW. Its about 20km from the NSW border. The closest towns are Brewarrina, Lightning Ridge and Angledool in NSW, and Hebel in QLD. My mum, and her parents were born in Goodooga and surrounds, and my dad was from Walgett, but moved to Goodooga later on. His mum was born in Goodooga too. It’s one of my most favourite places in the world and I will always call it home.