Kookaburra Dreaming for NAIDOC
When it comes to celebrating indigenous art and culture, Warndu doesn't mess around. And during NAIDOC week, the spotlight shone brightly on our very own co-founder Damien Coulthard and our newest team member Katie Gribble. These two incredible artists were winners in the local Clare NAIDOC Awards for 2024, and we couldn't be prouder!
Who is Damien Coulthard?
Let's start with our own legendary - Damien Coulthard. Not only is he the co-founder of Warndu, but he's also a talented artist whose work speaks volumes. Damien's unique style and deep connection to his culture shine through in every piece he creates, and he is a powerful and passionate advocate for indigenous education. It's no wonder he was recognised as the 2024 winner of the NAIDOC Education Award.
Meet Katie Gribble
And then there's Katie Gribble, the newest addition to the Warndu team and a rising star in her own right. Katie is a woman of Arabana and Barngarla descent, and a resident of Brinkworth.
Katie has joined our Clare operations team to make sure all your favourite pantry items get sent out as soon as possible.
Katie's passion for indigenous art is evident in everything she does. Not only was she the 2024 winner of the Creative Talent Award, she also has been the artist in residence during NAIDOC at Westfield Marion, where she sold out four back to back painting workshops.
"It was amazing seeing my artwork there in real life, which has now sold as a result, and the vibe was really great...
We did some storytelling paintings on small canvases with kids, and people were coming up to me saying how great the art on display was not realising I was the artist, so it was a lovely experience."
Celebrating Indigenous Art
NAIDOC week is a time to celebrate the rich history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It's a time to honour the contributions of indigenous artists like Damien and Katie, who use their creativity to tell powerful stories and preserve traditions for future generations.
So here's to Damien Coulthard and Katie Gribble - two incredible artists who are making waves in the world of indigenous art. We can't wait to see what they create next!