Amanda Hinkelmann

Danba-ng (Alive-Green, Fresh, Strong)

Represented within this artwork is our planet as it thrives- looked after by our people.
It shares the idea of reciprocal care-taking and the way our people were taught to care for the land, so it in turn, cared for us. In the centre of the piece are people gathered collectively, caring for one-another. Wrapping around them, are the plants that nourish them, mend them when they are ill, give their fibres for weaving and tool-making. There are symbols of the rain coming down, cleansing them, and quenching their thirst. The wind blows through the artwork, carrying away with it illness, and replacing the skies with fresh, clean air to breathe. This piece is part of the 'Dabaa-Malang' art release.

Yilawura (Night)

This artwork represents camp trips with extended family. There are representations of our camps, each family in its own area, with a central fire in which we sit together for much of the day. There is the lake which we fish, canoe and swim in- always competing for the biggest and most fish. On one side, we are met with Australian Eucalypts, and on the other, hills covered in pine. The kangaroos move freely between. The stars sit above us, with our old people watching down, checking that Pop has enough wood on the fire, that Toby had poked it just the right about of times with his big stick, and that the kids have just enough marshmallows to give them a tummy ache.

Bunha-Bunhanga (An Abundance of Food)

This artwork represents the bush tucker used by Aboriginal peoples. It represents the way in which the country provides for the people and the animals that live there, and the way in which the people take only what they need, to ensure there is always an abundance of food. It was the role of the woman to forage for berries, fruits, and native herbs. They would collect these items carefully, teaching the young as they went which foods were able to be collected and which were better left alone. There are representations within this artwork of lemon myrtle, wattle seeds, Kakadu plum, desert quandong, wattles and river red gum.

Marang Ngurung (Good Night)

This artwork symbolises experiences of being out on Country at night. The campfire cracking, family nestled around- yarns under the stars. It represents feeling complete with those around you, connected to nature. Gazing up to those that rest above you as they look down and guide. This artwork draws inspiration from nights on Ngarigo Country, where we spend time with extended family fishing, canoeing, and camping.

Ngurra (Together)

This artwork represents belonging to a place and a community. It represents the people around you and the connections you have with them. There are layers of people wrapped in meeting places. This shows the layers of those you are close to, and those that you have in your life each day. There is a metaphorical meaning within this piece, strengthened by the colour palette and the images of concentric circles- like a drop in the water. It tells the moral of one’s actions, and how, like a drop in the water, they travel outward and their effects continue. It reflects the notion to always speak truth, kindness and love- as this is what will travel outward and affect those in your circles and beyond.

Garru, Wandyu, Gilaa (Magpie, Crow, Galah)

Birds often come into our day, and often to provide us with direction; with a message. They act as a symbol for the future, and what one may come to expect within the weeks to follow.
For me, I have a collective of birds that visit and look after me, and my family. The crow- a symbol of home, of guidance, of change. The magpie, a faithful friend and a companion- not one to worry too much about. The galah, a symbol for me that I need to relax and take things more lightly, a message to slow down and enjoy the fun parts to life. This piece is part of the 'Dabaa-Malang' art release.

Wambuwanbunmarra (Mix)

Represented within this artwork is the idea of all that is on Earth and within our skies is one, it is mixed. Our great creator made the land, its waterways, its spirit-beings, our people, and the skies. This piece touches on the idea of all of this being linked; the notion that without one, the others wouldn't be complete. It shares the idea that as a living being, we are of the Earth, and we return to the Earth. We are not separate to our lands, and we don't own them, but rather, care for them. This piece is part of the 'Dabaa-Malang' art release.

Wawirra Bunan

This artwork represents the cleansing properties of the wind and the new beginnings it brings. Its fluidity and movement reflect the movement of that in which is carried by the wind. It shows figures sitting together at meeting places. These represent not only those that are cleansed by the winds as they sweep through, but it represents our ancestors passing through and guiding changes with each change of the wind. This piece conjures up within me, the feeling of standing free and open, breathing in the wind as it blows, and feeling complete. It allows for fresh new beginnings, free and strong with only those around that support you.

The Sun

This artwork represents the sun and the concept of it within Aboriginal culture. The sun is an important component of the Dreaming in Aboriginal culture. We consider the sun a woman- she lights a fire each morning to shine light over Country so our people can see. I liken this idea to the way in which others shine their light, and give others energy, hope and fulfilment. By giving light to others when they need it, they give light to road ahead and the path in which to walk. Within this piece, she shines her light over Wiradjuri Country, my home.

Just Look Forward

This artwork represents strength and the way in which sometimes we lean on others to find strength in difficult times. It symbolises the way in which people unite to support others, and come together when they see others need their support.

It represents the silent struggle people can go through, and the ways in which they find strength from their surroundings, their community, and their connection to place.

There are symbols of people, shoulder to shoulder- this demonstrates unity in those around us. A meeting place is included to show a safe space and a place to connect. There are layers of Country- a reminder to ground yourself and check-in when you need to. Birds symbolise freedom within the artwork and the better times ahead.

Mother

This artwork was painted to represent my family and my role as a mother.

It represents our family home, where I am gathered with my four children.

The notion of this piece is my role in raising independent, confident and happy children. I have given them each their own meeting place, to demonstrate their own lives and independence separate to me. Each of them wear a crown- I include this as I want them to always see their worth.

Seeds are included in the work to represent knowledge and growth, as are the leaves that surround the top of the artwork. The river forms the bottom of the artwork, with people gathered close by- a symbol of our community and those that support me as a mother and person.

Guwunggan

This artwork is a representation of the recent floods and the effect it had on communities. The way Mother Nature responded to her treatment and her message to our people to listen.

There is a community at the top of the work, stranded, with only one way in and out. The water runs high and deep through the artwork, with symbols of further rain and flooding throughout the depth of the flow. Links of other communities sit within the waterline, showing their support for the people affected, and providing a lifeline to many who experienced the flooding. Above, those in the stars look down, reminding us to care for Mother Nature and listen when she speaks. This piece is part of the 'Dabaa-Malang' art release.