Exploring Aboriginal Art

Since I posted about this art challenge I have been playing with this art form and am thoroughly enjoying it! For me, it includes many of my favorite things, dots. circles, symbolism and my focus for this year - mandala.

I have not decided if I am participating in the challenge yet (based on some travelling coming up and time issues) but am still creating some pieces for my own enjoyment (and possibly selling if you are interested!)


So I shared this sneak peek the other day on facebook....

Here's the entire piece and an explanation of the symbolism for me....

If you are a regular reader ( and I hope you are or will become one!) you know that I have chosen "complete" as my word for this year. This is a representation of that word. The very center image indicates a camp or home with symbols for people surrounding it. I chose one male and 4 females since that is what our family consists of. From there, the blues represent water with the final outside row being tracks that people would make on a journey. After traversing the world for 30 years, we are about to come full circle in our journey to create a home for our family in the islands later this year. I think this says that rather nicely and I can't wait to hang it in our future home!

Today I have been working on something less "personal" but still within the art style of Aboriginal Dot art. But I will only give you the sneak peek from facebook for now...and say I am thinking of lantana.

Aboriginal Art Swap

I adore aboriginal art but I have never tried my hand at it. So I am stoked there is a swap being held at The Art Colony. 

Create and swap a 4"x 6" painting in any medium, inspired by Aboriginal dot painting! Sign up for the "Aboriginal Dot Painting" Swap, by adding your name and address to this thread before April 30.

Note: You will need to join The Art Colony to participate but its an amazing online community and totally worthwhile to do so. Plus its free to join!

I think its vital to understand this is not just making dots on canvas. Aboriginal art tells a story - a story about people and their relationship to their land and how they view and understand the world. Watch this! The complete documentary is available on amazon (of course!). To learn more about this art form do some searches using the terms "aboriginal art" "indigenous dot art" and "Aboriginal Art symbols". Visit Desertartcentre.com.au to find numerous talented artists creating in this style! You will also have a  visual treat if you search on pinterest for these terms!

Sign up and join the fun