Julie Williams
Bama Name: Kija (moon)
Born:
Lives: Mossman
Language Group: Kuku Yalanji and Taepadhighi
I was born in Cairns and raised in Mossman, North QLD. My mother descends from the Kuku Yalanji people of Mossman Gorge and my father is from the Taepadhighi clan of Cape York. My Aboriginal name ‘Kija’ (moon) was passed down to me from my great grandmother. I work full time and I am a mother of three children.
I have been painting for many years, using acrylic paint on canvas and watercolor paper. I also paint on ‘Burnie’ or ‘Matchbox’ Beans which are native to the rainforest of Mossman Gorge. These are sold as tourism products such as key chains, pendants and fridge magnets through the Mossman Visitor Centre. I draw inspiration from spending time with nature and my knowledge of traditional beliefs and stories.
I have been involved in a number of screen printing workshops through Yalanji Arts – Mossman Gorge and have exhibited my work in the following shows:
- ‘Connections’, Unique State Screen prints by Yalanji Artists – 2012 – Kick Arts, Cairns
- Cairns Indigenous Art Fair - 2011 (TANKS Art Space)
- Cairns Indigenous Art Fair - 2012 (Cairns Cruise Terminal)
