We are so excited to introduce you Katrina Graves, from Bunan To Muran Art. We are in complete awe of her work ~ her use of beautiful earthy colours and gorgeous detailing you can feel the intention, and emotion that’s been poured into each and every creation. We sat down with beautiful Katrina & got to know a little more about who she is and what it means to be an Indigenous artist.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Katrina Graves and I'm a proud Wiradjuri woman. I was born in Queanbeyan, NSW and raised on the Gold Coast since I was 3 years old. I've been painting since I was young, as my mother is an artist and always encouraged me to paint with her. My love for art has been greatly influenced by my mother and other family members. I've always been encouraged to practice my culture and to teach others about our history and stories. For me, art is not only a great way to share our stories but to educate people through different lenses.
What does it mean to you to be an Indigenous artist?
Being an Indigenous artist gives me so much pride and joy. To practice my culture through art and continue this very old practice is such a gift. I believe Indigenous art is a very powerful tool to educate others but to also to encourage conversation around First Nations People.
What is the intention behind your beautiful pieces?
I want these pieces to bring joy and life into people’s homes. I also love knowing people have a piece of my culture in their homes and workplaces.
Does each piece tell a different story?
Indigenous art has helped tell our stories for thousands of years. It also speaks a lot about the artist and our own experiences and values. These pieces tell stories of joy, awareness, connection and my heritage.
How do you choose your colour palettes?
I use colour that I’m naturally drawn to. They are usually colors that are bright and light. I also like to choose colors that I think will enrich and add to a space.
Do you have a happy place? If so, where?
My happy place is just in nature, near a river or in the bush. My family have lived along the Murray River for a long time. Although I live right next to the beach and have grown up going to the beach, I always feel more comfortable and happy in the bush or near a river.
What are you listening to while you paint?
I listen to music that brings life into my space. Usually something that’s uplifting.
What’s your favorite part of the creative process?
My favorite part is seeing the finished product. I love finally seeing the end result and seeing it all come together. I also love telling the meaning of the painting to people and connecting to others through my art.
What’s your advice to other Indigenous artists?
I remember when I was younger, I would make a lot of mistake or not like how my painting was looking, but my mum would always tell me ‘to keep going’. I think that’s a message of persistence and is one lesson I’ll never forget my mother teaching me. I would also say that your painting is as beautiful as the story. People love art because of the meaning and the connection they have with it,
so if you have a story tell it through your art.
Do you have any exciting plans for the future that you can tell us about?
I will be soon releasing a range of prints on my website and next year collaborating with a swimwear line.
Click here to purchase her beautiful art online
Click here to follow her on Instagram
