Katie's portraits of birds nest within the boundaries of cultural engagement and pure respect. They are her feathered guides that bring news from afar yet simultaneously give delight with their behaviour and colours. It is this delicate balance that enables Katie to render whimsical portraits that convey such depth of character and personality. Kingfishers, finches, parrots and pelicans are some of the wonderful menagerie that adorns the walls of many households across Australia.
“I was born in Liveringa Station in the Kimberley, and then I met my partner. He’s from here. I moved in with him and he introduced me to this arts work. I started to work alongside him. We bought all our children and we all got involved in the art. I started painting birds, doing collaborations with my son. My daughter was helping me and would say ‘no Mum, not like that, too big in the beak!’. Or they would say, ‘no Mum, not like that, too skinny in the feet.’ But now I can do it myself!”

Founded in 2008, Spinifex Hill Studio is where South Headland’s award winning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art collective gathers to paint. The group welcomes artists from over eight different language groups including Banjima, Kariyarra, Martu, Ngarla, Noongar, Nyangumarta, Nyiyaparli and Yamaj.

The exhibition runs from 6 - 27 March
Please click here to download e-catalogue