Kenita-Lee McCartney

Wemba Wemba, Wiradjuri, Wotjiboluk, Nari Nari and Boon Wurrung woman

I am a proud Wemba Wemba, Wiradjuri, Wotjiboluk, Nari Nari and Boon Wurrung woman living on the stolen lands of the Wemba Wemba people.

Creating for me has always been my way to express emotions, experiences, healing and self care. As an adult I began expressing myself through various creative practices, including dance and weaving.

Keeping our traditions alive is so important to me. My pembemgguk (children) are growing up strong within their identity and culture, surrounded by art, culture and community. I like to paint in mostly vibrant colours to express myself, I turn to a natural palette through different seasons in my life.

@kenita.lee

Artworks

The Future is Bright

This painting represents the bright future ahead.
The bright future of country.
The bright future of animals.
The bright future of sacred sites.
The bright future of caring for country.
Bright future of songlines, ceremony and culture.
The future of our people.

Flourishing Blooms

Flourishing blooms depicts the journey to flourishing within.

Gon Walkabout

The lines represent the walk through country, the round shapes are the rivers and the lakes that were stopped by on this journey. In my family we say gone walk about if we are taking time to reconnect with country, taking time out on country to do healing. When we walk on country, we must acknowledge the traditional owners of the land we are on, take care of country and country will take care of you.

Matriarchy

This piece depicts the strong feminine matriarchs. The white dots formed together to symbolize the strength and guidance of the women that came before. The strong leaders, changemakers who led the way before, guide us today and leave there names in history. A story of resilience and strength. The arched shaped symbols represent those who came before me, who continue to guide my journey and follow in their footsteps. The feminine women’s energy, comes through the female lineage of our bloodlines.

Gon Walkabouts

Dhuray

This piece represents the strong connection to country, our mother. The symbols representing those that came before us, to allow the space for us to be in now. The blue symbol represents the dreamtime.

My Journey

This artwork represents the journey we take in life.

New Beginnings

This artwork represents new beginnings. This collection was painted in a new beginning in my life.

Yuka On Country

Yuka means to Paint in my Wemba Wemba language from the North West of what we now know as Victoria. Matakupaat is the traditional name for the place i live in the Wemba Wemba Nation, on the Murray River.

This painting is a reflection of the experiences through letting go of all teachings, allowing yourself to express your true inner self and authenticity.

Landscapes II

This painting depicts country, the colours are inspired by the colours of country.

Country Harvest

Harvesting on country holds deep meaning to our people, from freshwater country to the saltwater country. This painting is the journey through harvesting, the deep spiritual connection to cultural practices. These traditions have become increasingly challenging since colonisation. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are fighting hard to ensure their voices and values are heard in the wellbeing of our waterways. This painting i created to tell my own stories and knowledge of the land, showing our deep connection to harvesting country and all thats surrounds