Born in Shepparton, 1992. My work all started as a kid, always sketching in my school workbooks and not paying attention in class. Especially Math or English. Nothing wrong with my teachers as they were all fantastic teachers. It’s just I would naturally find myself drawing rather then writing. Eventually I would start bringing a book to every class for the purpose of drawing in. It was not until year 11 and 12 I started to experiment with painting. But finding out quickly that paint isn't controlled as easily as pencils.

Encouraged by my year 12 art teacher to experiment with paint and not be so confined to a grey lead or graphite pencils. I painted Aboriginal designs on skateboards for my year 12 final piece; combining art with my other passion, skating. I found that once I got used to the brush and the feeling of freedom with my strokes I started to explore painting more and more at home. Which quickly became a hobby.

I didn’t exactly achieve a high ATAR score to gain a position at University to pursue a career as a physiotherapist. It was not until I asked my Math teacher what I should do. He’s response was that I was good at math and understood what needed to be done but I was lacking in passion and motivation to do the work. If I wanted to find a career to pursue then it should be something that I have a passion for, not just because its a good job. So I decided to try for a position in Visual Arts Latrobe University. Enrolling at GOTAFE Shepparton I completed my studies in a diploma of Sport and Recreation which gain me 2 positions at Latrobe University Bendigo, Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Visual Arts.

Over the 3 years my work developed with my studies, exploring different artist and styles, art mediums like clay and wood. Eventually finding my own style, concepts and motivation. During all this I started to really expose my artwork to the public through exhibitions held at galleries such as Kaiela Arts Shepparton, Melbourne museum and Dudley House in Bendigo. Eventually my art started to gain attention and started taking commissions by clients from around Victoria.

My work is evolving; experimenting with new colour combinations, painting techniques, mediums. Inspirations form street art, the environment, experiences in life and my own culture. I hope to develop my art and take my Aboriginal art style to a whole new level. I believe an artist’s work is influenced by their own morals, beliefs and personality, hence why every artwork is so unique. Of course my culture is strongly a part of me and my work, but I feel it’s just as important to discover who I am entirely, reflecting my true self on a canvas.

I’ve completed a Bachelor in Creative Arts, Major in Fine Art, at Bendigo University now studying in Masters of Teaching Secondary. I hope to pursue a career as an artist but also to provide cultural learning and education to students. Aboriginal art and culture was very hazy in my school career and I want to rectify that, not just so non-Indigenous kids can grow up respecting and understanding the importance of Aboriginal culture but also so Aboriginal kids can feel validated in wider society. Teaching them what they can and cannot do and to pay respect to their own boundaries is very important. I believe it’s about respect for yourself and others and is an integral part in honoring your ancestors.

Through this I now run my own arts and education business ‘Firebrace Designs’ where I not only practice as a professional artist but also as an Aboriginal educator providing and developing Aboriginal based learning and lessons for all ages. I’ve worked all over Victoria in many Primary and Secondary schools as well as TAFEs and Universities. I also have developed a strong network of clients, professional arts organisations, galleries and government organisations. The work I have been doing has been recognised and congratulated by The Royal Family and the Victorian Governor, but the biggest achievement I’ve made in my career is the work that I’ve been doing with the students and youths around Victoria. The knowledge that they have gain, the work that they have produced and the inspiration to achieve their own dreams and passions.