Baluk Arts

The Turtles Get It! #2

$300.00

  • 41cm x 31cm
  • Acrylic on Canvas
  • Catalog No: 56-220-23

N’Dene Riley is an emerging artist best known for her luminant imagery of the ocean and sea life. With ancestry from the Aboriginal people of Tasmania, she now resides on the Mornington Peninsula. Her relationship with the land and the water informs her work, seeking tribute to the strength and beauty of the ocean along with its healing powers. She draws on her connection to her ancestors and the stories passed down about how to respect and care for the ocean. Through the use of circles and symbols, she portrays a connectedness between all living things. Working mainly with acrylic on canvas, N’Dene imparts a unique message of hope and positivity with every painting.

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In these latest artworks, I extend my artistic exploration of the vast ocean and its majestic inhabitants, delving deeper into the profound symbolism of the healing turtle. The concept of the turtle holds immense personal significance for me. Many years ago, my son brought home a turtle ‘Scruffy’ who became a close companion and spiritual guide of mine for over 10 years. By taking care of Scruffy he helped me recover a sense of responsibility for myself, others and ultimately the world. I was inspired by this captivating creature that dwells beneath the surface of the water and also by the transformative power of their resilience.

As I immerse myself in the creation of my artworks, I find healing within the creative process itself. The canvas becomes a medium through which I connect with others, transcending isolation and loneliness. The support I’ve received from the Aboriginal community, health services, and some white fellas too, underscores the universal nature of healing and recovery. Witnessing the positive impact of my artworks on people from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences has been a powerful revelation, reaffirming the therapeutic potential of art in fostering connection and recovery. The turtle, a creature that traverses both ancestral realms and the contemporary struggles of people, for me embodies a collective journey toward wholeness. The warm reception of my turtle and sea-themed paintings has not only encouraged me to persist in my artistic endeavours but has also illuminated the profound connection between art and human experiences.

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