About Me

Catani and me I am a descendant of the Gamilaraay people of the North West of New South Wales. My Mum was born in the foothills of the Warrumbungle Mountains in Gamilaraay Country, I was born in Wollongong, on the NSW South Coast , in Tharawal Country and my home is in Central Western NSW, which is Wiradjuri Country.

My love of drawing and painting began at a very early age when I would sit and draw for hours, creating stories on paper. This has never left me as I still like to tell stories with my paintings. I want to tell stories of the Original Custodians of this land, stories that some are not able to tell. The colours of the Central West, where I live, inspire me tremendously, and feature in all my paintings.

I live with my husband, Peter, and 7 Chihuahuas, 1 Blue Cattle dog, 1 Belgian Shepherd, 3 Siamese cats, 1 Devon Rex, 2 Moggies,2 horses and 1 sheep called Lachlan in our home in Blayney. On our son, Simons, 25 acres at Carcoar, an historic village near Blayney, we have 2 horses and 3 pet sheep who we visit constantly. Our son, Simon, who is an IT Consultant is married to Siu Ngai from Hong Kong and they have a beautiful little daughter, Catani. Our daughter, Bindi, who is an Occupational Therapist, is married to Mi-chael and their lovely daughter is due in June, 2008.

As I have such a love of pets I also do pet portraits by commission, which is a form of art I very much enjoy. My paintings are in private collections in England, USA, Hong Kong, Switzerland as well as in Australia. In 2007 I was a Finalist in both the National Drawing Together Art Award and in the NSW Parliamentary Indigenous Art Award. My work will be travelling throughout NSW all of 2008 in the Parliamentary Award.

Caminka Art