My name is Nickolla Clark, I am a young Arakwal woman of the Bundjalung nation, Byron Bay, NSW. I also live here in the beautiful Byron Shire.
Learning the culture from my Nan, Elder Dulcie Nicholls, I began painting at thirteen after she showed and taught me all things about country and what it has for us. How to take and give back to the motherland.
I have since been in several successful exhibitions across the Byron Shire. Painting is a strong part of me, it shows me how to tell a story through an expressive form. My passion, technique and style has grown as I have. Which I hope shows through in my artwork.
My artwork - which predominantly involves painting and recently, screen-printing/ lino printing depicts ancestral country, journeys and connections with fine rows of dots and lines marking out the locations of sand, sea, bush country, rivers, flood plains, waterholes and ceremonial sites, alongside totems, animals and sacred sites. It is an important part of my life and identity and an expressive means for me to share the knowledge and dreamtime of my people. Seen thousands of years ago dating back into rock art.
As a fair skin aboriginal woman, I have a strong contributing role in sharing culture and practicing lore in my community. My dedication to painting has helped me overcome challenges in the face of those who do not accept my aboriginality.
Aboriginal Art has been the means of storytelling for my people for thousands of years, the longest living culture in the world. I am grateful for the opportunity to express the same stories and contribute to the continuation of culture.