"Hope O'Chin"

I am an Aboriginal woman of the Gabi-Gabi clan.  I introduce myself as such in recognition of the traditional lands to which I have kinship ties through my mother. This exhibition has been developed to portray examples of my life experiences.  Sections of the art work incorporate my belief in Aboriginal spiritual maintenance from my own perspective.  I believe that through my work I express the continuation of a heritage that is based on a particular set of cultural mores and a complex system of knowledge that has in the main, remained intact, despite having to adapt to non-Aboriginal influences. My cultural heritage has been instilled in me through an oral tradition that has been handed down through my family who have had thousands of years of experiences within the continent.  Through my paintings, I have conveyed my strong feelings of Aboriginal spirituality and have shared those through each section of my personal encounters. Each piece legitimises my principles of justice and recognition for my people, their culture and heritage.  Each section is based upon themes that depict my beliefs and principles which are balanced by HOPE. Hope is not just my name, but a way of life.  My father, mother, grandparents, other mother, other fathers, my immediate and extended family, my people accept this fact as being predetermined. Hope to me means Hope for Our People Everywhere.