Snapshot’s cover art signifies connections, relationships and unity between Equity Trustees and First Nations communities.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art has preserved the stories and culture of the world’s longest living culture for hundreds of generations. Today’s artists such as proud Gomeroi woman Caitlin Trindall are drawing on those traditional techniques to tell new stories that are bringing cultures together.
“I am very passionate about educating people on Aboriginal culture, and I love using art as the platform to do so,” says Caitlin, who created the art which adorns the cover of this year’s Snapshot.
Her cover art represents the ties that Equity Trustees has fostered with a number of Aboriginal communities over many years. Equity Trustees manages a number of trusts that directly benefit a number of First Nations communities, as well as philanthropic trusts that provide grants.
The central image represents Equity Trustees as a meeting place with each of the dotted circles representing communities coming together.
The background is made up of segments leading back to the central meeting place, which include symbols that align with Equity Trustees First Nation initiatives. The symbols include footprints of Aboriginal peoples to highlight walking this journey together, and symbols of animal tracks, gum leaves, waterholes and stars, to remind us of the role of connecting to Country when fostering successful partnerships with Aboriginal communities.
“Throughout my artworks, I always use traditional symbolism to share cultural messages, and these are crafted in bright and vibrant colourways to create contemporary works of art. Most of my artworks also feature symbolism of meeting places to pay respects to the intergenerational knowledge sharing and the coming together of people to celebrate our culture.”
Caitlin also holds creative and educational workshops, including Reconciliation Action Plan design and content consultations, providing another avenue for art to help change society for the better. She donated 10% of the profits from the Equity Trustees Snapshot project to the First Nations Foundation.
“This year I developed a new project 'Aerial Art on Country' where I consulted with Aboriginal Elders and community members to bring local Aboriginal knowledge and stories together through a series of creative arts workshops. The project has been hugely successful and has been delivered in schools, corporate organisations, government sectors and the broader community. I am always learning and am proud to be involved in all kinds of community projects which work towards reconciliation.”
Caitlin first began painting in 2016 as a way to connect to her grandfather, a proud Gomeroi Elder who lived in the New South Wales town of Narrabri. He inspired her passion for creating a wide range of artworks that combine traditional and contemporary methods including painting on canvas, large-scale murals, digital art, emu eggs, jewellery and homewares.
To learn more about Caitlin Trindall’s art go to Mirii Art at https://miriiart.com.
Read our Snapshot publications here