Billabong Dreaming Floor Mat Product Code : SPP185

These artwork depicts native flora & fauna such as waterlilies, fresh-water long -neck turtle and fine-snake of the Arnhem-land region of Northern Territory. John explains that this is one of the many traditional bush locations when the Yolngu people are hunting and gathering bush food. The turtle,

file-snake and waterlilies are traditional bush tucker of the Arnhem-land regions of the Northern Territory. “The native animals of Australia have an important ancient spiritual connection to our people and country for over 60,000 years. They are portrayed in diverse traditional mediums and contemporary

creations, recognized throughout Australia and are mentioned in numerous scared cultural dreaming stories and for many of our people are sacred totems / moieties and our names portrayed in many artworks and ceremonies.”

Billabong DreamingArtist John Smith Gumbala

About the Artist

John Smith GumbalaJohn Smith Gumbala is a multi-award winner, former “QEII Silver Jubilee Queens Trust Awardee for young Australians”, and proud descendant of the Wakka Wakka people of Queensland-Australia. He is passionately involved in diverse innovative artistic mediums.

John Smith Gumbala is a multi-award winner, former “QEII Silver Jubilee Queens Trust Awardee for young Australians”, and proud descendant of the Wakka Wakka people of Queensland-Australia. He is passionately involved in diverse innovative artistic mediums. He is also an adopted son and family member of the traditional Yolngu People of Galiwinku-Elcho Island in the Northern Territory. His artworks portray the rich earthy tones and vibrant colours of his country and culture. The traditional and contemporary artworks featured in his art ‘portrays unique diverse symbols, motif’s and images of flora, fauna and the spiritual significance that connects us to the Australian landscape, our Mother earth of our ancestors from past generations to present.’ Of his work, John says Australia’s Indigenous history goes back over 60,000 thousand years to present date. “My Aboriginal identity and cultural heritage proudly resonates in my heart, my soul and artistic creations, keeping the culture strong and alive, spiritually connecting me to [my] country.” Inspired by his family, he respectfully preserves his art and culture and acknowledges the traditional custodians of Australia, recognising their ancient cultural connection to country, land and water, communities, and pays respect to the indigenous elders ‘past, present and emerging’.

Billabong Dreaming Floor Mat Product Code : SPP185