This spectacular bowl by Karen Shuan features an intricately painted mother and baby dugong on natural earthenware.

Each bowl is approximately 15cm in diameter. 

Artist statement

My Name is Karen but I also go by the name of Bloomfield. I grew up in Mossman learning two ways of life – Kuku Yalanji and English – I experience racism in Mossman and violence in the community. I learnt language and culture from the age of four, I grew was an interpreter for my mother and elders. Now I teach my daughters – we still speak language in the house.

As a young person – my father’s Uncle – Eddy Bloomfield – the painted for pleasure and passed on his knowledge. He painted on any surface he could find – bark turtle, shells etc. I was always listening to elders rather than doing physical things and Eddy encouraged me to pick up a paintbrush. He taught me traditional techniques.

We still live in Mossman. Both my parents have passed. My mother is from Mossman and she is my role model – she taught me language, culture and dance. The past and present, these stories in dance and o also painted them – stories of Diwan laying eggs; the sea turtle and crocodile – dreaming stories.

Yalanji Arts

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