Celebrating our First Nations Artist Collaborations ahead of NAIDOC Week!
With NAIDOC Week (July 7 to July 14) fast approaching we thought we’d share these special collaboration pieces that are perfect to celebrate this year's theme, Keep the Fire Burning!
Over the years, we have had the pleasure of working with two very talented First Nations Artists, Tamara May Murray of Maramayart and Madison Connors of Yarli Creative. We are truly honoured to collaborate with these artists, transforming their artworks into beautiful fashion pieces.
Marmayart
Tamara May Murray, known as Mara May, is a highly skilled and passionate artist hailing from the serene countryside of Coomealla, a small town located 25 kilometers northwest of Mildura. Growing up on the Namatjira Mission, Mara May has been honing her artistic talents for over two decades.
As a proud member of the Barkindtji tribe, Mara May draws inspiration from her ancestral roots in the Coomealla, Lake Victoria, and Mungo regions, which were passed down to her through her mother's lineage. Additionally, her father's side connects her to the Yorta Yorta and Dhudaroah tribes, originating from the Shepparton area. This rich heritage and deep connection to her land and culture serve as the driving force behind the captivating narratives woven into her artwork.
We were honoured to bring Tamara’s artwork Eternal Wisdom: Women Passing Knowledge to life through our Maramayart print which celebrates the strength and resilience of Aboriginal women. The captivating artwork pays homage to their invaluable role in preserving cultural traditions and promoting healing within their communities. Through intergenerational connections, these women pass down knowledge that has the power to empower future generations. Let us honour their unwavering commitment to preserving heritage and fostering resilience. Shop the collection of beautiful pieces here.
Yarli Creative
Maddy Connors is an artist, advocate, and proud Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung, and Gamilaroi woman. In collaboration with Yarli Creative, LPD has released three stunning prints: Lilly Pilly, Night Sky andYarli Creative. Each print is created with a beautiful story, which you can read more about below.
Lilly Pilly
The blooming Lilly Pilly was created as a metaphor for life and for looking after one's self. We hide during the colder months, pandering to our needs, making sure we are nourished and taken care of so that in summer we come out blooming. We come out to share stories, to be around our communities, our families, to feel the warmth of the sun on our skin and to nourish ourselves in a different way.
Night Sky
The Night Sky print holds profound personal significance for Maddy, embodying her connection to ancestral heritage and spiritual identity. The emus, featured in this print, were more than just birds; they were revered as significant spirits that soared through the skies, watching over the land.
These magnificent creatures possessed incredible wisdom and aided First Nation communities in predicting events in the world around them. Emu in the Sky guided First Nations people, sharing their foresight and knowledge.
Yarli Creative Print
The Yarli Creative print is about the importance of community and support among women. It emphasizes the creation of a supportive "village" of like-minded women throughout one's life, who uplift, empower, and stand by each other. Despite occasional disagreements, the bonds of sisterhood and shared values remain strong and unbreakable. The artworks' message is one of enduring support, unity, and empowerment among women.
These pieces are more than just prints; they are stories woven into fabric. Join us in honouring NAIDOC Week and keep the fire burning by supporting and celebrating First Nations artists and their incredible contributions. Shop the collection and carry a piece of their powerful stories with you.