Introducing Katrina Graves, a proud Wiradjuri woman and our first artist collaborator.
Katrina is our first OG artist and has been so popular she now has her art in 5 star hotels, schools and homes across our island home.
Story is the purpose.
When we first started Yarn'n, Katrina's work had always been on our minds. Katrina's support for Yarn'n has helped us reach the homes of thousands of Aussies, and the powerful meaning behind each art piece she creates drives us to want to be better each day.
Gurawiny Flowers
Flowers on the Hill is the name of our first artwork shown across our rolls. Reflecting Katrina's family and roots.
Katrina's love of art comes from her mother. Working from her studio on the Gold Coast, Katrina says:
"I've always been encouraged to practice my culture and to teach others about our history and stories. For me, art is not only a great way to share our stories but to educate people through different lenses."
Wiradjuri
Wiradjuri country is the largest in NSW, stretching from the eastern boundary of the Great Dividing Range. Drawing a line from the present towns of Hay and Nyngan approximates the western boundary. While Gunnedah and Albury mark the northern and southern boundaries of Wiradjuri country.
Respect for country
The Wiradjuri people of Gundagai and Brungle lived in harmony with plants, animals, land and the water. They believed they didn't own the land but they were responsible for looking after it. They were mindful of the seasons and knew when different plants and animals were available at different times of the year.
Not Lost, now Growing
The Wiradjuri language almost disappeared, but thanks to elders and community efforts, it’s being spoken by a new generation. Words once lost now connect children to their culture, Country, and ancestors—proving that language can rise again.
Language
Yaama — Hello | Yiradhu marang! — Day Good | Yamandhu marang? — Are you well? | Waganha — Dance | Wuurrar — Satisfied | Dyili — Action | Garrandurang — Paper
Wagga Wagga - A place to dance
Lane's ancestry goes back to the town of Wagga Wagga - thanks to local elder and author Uncle Stan Grant, the town has correctly taken its name to mean "many dances and celebrations".
Bunji
We refer to our "mates" as Bunji's this is not just a Wiradjuri word but also ised in many mob dialects across Australia
"My art celebrates the women who have blossomed - overcoming trauma to become the elders we look up to - just like my own grandmother"
- Katrina Graves
