VERNA LAWRIE

Language: Mirning

Community: Koonibba & Ceduna

Arts Centre: Arts Ceduna

The Mirning people believed that the beginning of time a great white spirit called Jidirah came down from the Milky Way with the Seven Sisters dancing on his back, to create the earth in the sky. Jidirah left his mark on the landscape; this place is now known as the Head of the Great Australian Bite or the Bunda Cliffs. The Mirning have communicated with the Southern Right Whales over hundreds and thousands of years.

Verna Lawrie.

Verna was born at Koonibba Aboriginal Mission, situated 35 kilometres west of Ceduna. Growing up surrounded by artistic family members, Verna has painted nearly all her life. Telling stories through her artworks, Verna explores reoccurring themes, including whale dreaming stories.

Verna says being an artist comes naturally, especially because she relates to painting from a Cultural perspective. She expresses storytelling through her paintings and reoccurring themes include whale dreaming stories. Art expresses the storytelling of her people Verna believes. Verna enjoys attending creative workshops and cultural trips to the lands which give her the opportunity to meet other artists, sharing stories about culture and painting. These opportunities allow her to learn about her culture, while passing on knowledge to her children and grandchildren