I come from a small town in Western Australia called Kununurra. It has a population of around 4,000 people. I was one of the last people to be trained in the traditional way of life.
My great-grandmother wanted me to speak only in our indigenous language. When I was a kid I used to watch Westerns and I taught myself English by following the subtitles. That’s why I still speak with a slight American accent. My great-grandmother lived until she was 105.
When I was 16 I left home and came to Melbourne on my own as I wanted to travel and learn. None of my family have ever travelled outside of Western Australia.
At first I was homeless and then I found work. I’ve done a range of jobs including working in construction and corporate. During that time I learned as much as I could about all aspects of business so I could start my own.
When I came to Melbourne around five years ago I also taught myself how to do art. I’ve never had any formal training. My work has now been shown in the Melbourne Museum and I’ve done a number of commissions, including one for the MCG. Every piece of my art has its own story behind it.
My story
This image represents the countryside where I came from and my first hunt with my brothers by my side testing our skill and our strength. Not only as individuals but as the brotherhood. We came from the Kimberlys. Because of my desire to achieve and to live I decided to travel to what we perceive to be the other side of the world. From carrying a spear that represents my strength and a boomerang that shows my will; what I throw into the world and what I’ll be given back. Now I hold a suitcase that shows my story; the experiences. All that I have gained and learnt. The stars are the spirit of my fathers, brothers and sisters travelling along with me