Holly Sanders

Q. Can you start with telling me a bit about yourself?
A. “Jingi Walla”, my name is Holly Sanders, I am a proud
Bundjalung woman from the North Coast NSW. Part of
my childhood was spent growing up on Country before moving down to Yuin Country on the South Coast NSW.
I am a classroom teacher and contemporary artist. My
work shares stories about culture and Country.

Q. What were some of the early influences that shaped
your decision to become an artist?
A. I have always loved art and I was drawing and painting before I could write. I have a Chronic Illness and was sick a lot during my childhood and so I would always paint and sketch in hospital and at home in bed. I think it helped with my healing.

Today, painting is still good for my health and wellbeing and it takes me back spiritually and historically to who I  

am. From a young age I watched my mother paint and I hope to pass on my love of art, cultural storytelling and painting onto my two daughters.

Q. How does the natural landscape of Country shape
your artwork?
A. Stories from the past and connection to Country, the land, sea and sky, are key energisers for me. The overall theme of my art collection is about ‘Jagun’– Country. It is also about sharing, celebrating and acknowledging our history. I want people to take pride in and respect the culture that has cared for this land for thousands of years. We are a strong and resilient people, and we are still here – the world’s oldest continuous living cultures. This connection and relationship continue to remain strong today and it is this connection to Country that feeds my spirit and shapes my work.

Q. Do you use any cultural symbols in your art, and what do they mean?
A. Yes, First Nations art is steeped in storytelling and plays a crucial role in our culture. As a contemporary artist, I
use my art as a tool in storytelling to educate and share culture, history and Country. The symbols and patterns used throughout my contemporary work are usually related to the Country, women and Women’s Business.
First Nations art is so diverse and is not an art form that everyone can paint or be ‘inspired by’. It is intrinsically linked to the longest continuing culture, to preserve our cultures. Each line, symbol and art style have sacred meaning and it’s important to share that the storytelling and symbols used in my contemporary art collection does not represent all First Nation’s cultural groups or people.

Some meanings include:
– ‘U’ shaped symbols represent women or people sitting or coming together.

– Dots and circles represent bush berries and seeds on country.

– Concentric circles represent communities, families or meeting place areas on country.

– Lines represent journey, travel or songlines.

Q. Are there particular colours that hold special significance for you?
A. Yes, I particularly love using the softer colours of the land and Country – the greens of native flora and the sands and ochres of the land really inspire me. I also love to add burnt bronzes and pops of pink. I am really enjoying

painting about ‘Sky Country’ and the stars and moon with blacks and neutral tones too.

Q. How do you convey the resilience and strength of Aboriginal cultures through your art?
A. When I think of strength and resilience, I think of the women in my life – the Aunties, matriarchs and Aboriginal women I admire. They are pillars of our communities, who fought and continue to fight for justice, equal rights and our rights to country. They often do so while caring and holding our families together. They are a crucial part of First Nation’s success in not only today’s society,
but in our history immemorial. Our Aunties and women are queens – powerful, strong and determined. I particularly enjoy painting about women’s knowledge on Country and how for generations, women have cared for sacred places on Country using ancestral wisdom and knowledge. This is a continuation of thousands of years of generational practice. The land is connected to women and is our mother. Greater protection and recognition is needed for our cultural and heritage women’s sites so that they aren’t just seen as geographical spaces, but are of great cultural heritage that contain our Songlines, ancestors and Dreamings.

Q. How do you mix modern art methods with traditional Aboriginal practices in your work?
A. My heritage influences every aspect of my life, and therefore my art practice. My culture and heritage and keeping true to them are what influences me. I love being about to share my culture, stories and heritage with others through my art by using both traditional and contemporary methods, symbols and different mediums such as acrylic on canvas and digital works.

Q. How does your role as a classroom teacher
complement your work as an artist?
A. I have always wanted to be an artist and teacher
and I’m now trying to balance both! I am passionate
about Aboriginal Education and what really pushes
me is the need for classrooms to include and
acknowledge our culture and true history – that
it is taught and known. 

It is beautiful to see how enthusiastic and proud children
are when they can see themselves, their identities and
their cultures reflected in their classrooms. Which is why
I am also passionate about collaborating with educational
companies, such as Mrs Edgar’s teacher planners,
Mrs Learning Bee learning resources and The Teaching
tools classroom resources. It showcases that we are
present and our cultures matter. It also means that a
lot more people will be learning about our beautiful art
and culture.

Q. What important parts of Aboriginal education do you love sharing with your students?
A. As a contemporary Aboriginal artist, I use my art as a tool in storytelling to educate and share my Aboriginal culture, history and Country. As a classroom teacher I
am passionate about Aboriginal Education and providing opportunities that broaden understanding about the unique and diverse cultures and history of us First Nations mob. Our culture is sacred, it empowers our children,
and is a source of strength and resilience.

Holly acknowledges the traditional owners of the land, waters and sky. She pays her respect to Elders past and present for their continued strength, knowledge and leadership. Holly honours the continuing connection Bundjalung, Dharawal and Yuin people have to the land and acknowledges the languages, stories, traditions and living cultures of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the oldest and longest continuing culture on the planet. “Bugalbeh” – Thank you.