Sheryl Burchill

I come from an artistic family which includes one brother and two sisters. We were raised by a strong mother who, herself, received ongoing support and guidance from our grandparents. The stories from my mother and grandparents, the landscape and the environment are inspiration for my artwork. Connection with my culture and the sense of knowing where I come from, keeps me grounded as a person. It also gives me the strength and courage to take on the challenges in life. Being able to share all I have learnt about my culture through my art, is a blessing.

I have completed Certificates 3 & 4 in ATSI Cultural Arts and a Diploma in ATSI Cultural Visual Arts through Tropical North Queensland TAFE and for nearly three years was employed by BBN Inc. as Art Co-ordinator at Yalanji Arts – Mossman Gorge. During that time I took part in many workshops learning new skills in printmaking, ceramics, wood carving and textiles printing and jewellery.

I always aim to use my understanding of Yalanji culture - traditional stories and life style – to inform my art work and to express my ideas in a contemporary style.

My art work has been exhibited in the following shows:

• Cairns Indigenous Art Fair - 2012 (Cairns Cruise Terminal)
• Manjal Dimbi – Rainforest Inspired Works by Yalanji Artists of Mossman Gorge – 2013 (Canopy Art Space – Cairns)
• Works on Paper by Yalanji Artists of Mossman Gorge – 2013 (Mossman Gorge Centre)
• IACA ‘Kinship’ exhibition – 2013 (TANKS and James Cook University)
• ‘Vessel’ – ceramics & monoprints by Yalanji Artists of Mossman Gorge - 2014 (TANKS)
• Paper, works on and of Paper – 2013 (TANKS Art Space)
• Cairns Indigenous Art Fair – 2014 (Cairns Cruise Terminal)
• Umpla Ufla – Textiles Forum & Fashion Performance – 2014 (Cairns Cruise Terminal)

Artwork Examples