An Interview With Indigenous Artist Liz Maloney

Liz Maloney is an indigenous artist based in Brisbane, Australia. A Gamilaroi woman, originally from Gunnedah, she moved to Brisbane when she was quite young and now lives with her family on the Gold Coast.

Influenced and inspired by the land and the ocean, Liz is driven to educate the world a little more about her people. The Gamilaroi nation is one of the 4 largest Indigenous nations in Australia. The expanse of land is over 50,000 kms with a variety of terrain and landscapes evident across the area.

Water has been identified as a crucial element of traditional Gamilaroi life. Watering holes and rivers (Barwon River, Namoi River, Peel River and Darling River) were valuable tributaries for the tribes people providing food, a place of shelter and of course vital water for survival.

We spoke with Liz to dive deeper into her beautiful work and learn more about her process.

Was there a pivotal moment when you decided to follow your path as an artist?

Liz: Ever since I can remember, I have always loved being creative!

What influences you most in your art?

Liz: My culture and heritage and keeping true to them are what influences me. I love being able to share my culture and heritage with others through my art using both traditional and contemporary methods and symbols. As a child I would watch my Aunty and Uncle do their indigenous art and would pester them until they told me the stories behind the artwork.

The Gamilaroi nation is one of the 4 largest Indigenous nations in Australia. Share with us something that people may not know about the Gamilaroi People and your land?

Liz: Where I come from in Gunnedah, we had a fierce warrior and wise leader Cumbo Gunnerah also known as The Red Kangaroo (or Red Chief), which has been passed down from generation to generation.

Can you tell us about the process of making your work and your process when you are asked to commission a new work for a brand?

Liz: When I get a client commission, I ask if they have any ideas of what they are looking for. I take that information and sketch out a design. Once the design is confirmed by the client I will start the painting process on stretched canvas with acrylic paints. The client is sent progress pictures of the piece to ensure they are happy with how it is all coming along. Once the painting is finished I will contact the client and confirm when the piece will be couriered. That’s the exciting part!

You talk about painting someone’s story. Tell us more about your process and how storytelling unfolds in your art?

Liz: All aboriginal art, including rock art, tells a story. Rock art, for example, would tell the hunters what food sources were in the area. I do my paintings in stages, starting with the background colour. Then I will add the design – the story, or the traditional symbols. Once this stage is completed I then do the detailing. When working with a client to tell their story, or communicate an idea, we sit down to discuss it so I fully understand the story they are wanting to tell. After the consultation I will work up some sketches and then start the painting process.

What piece of your artwork is your most favourite to paint, or that you would like to be remembered for?

Liz: I really don’t have a favourite as I love being able to use my gift to paint and help tell stories. I think this makes each piece special and more meaningful.

What is it about the land that everyday Australian’s have forgotten or lost touch with that you would like to see healed?

Liz: We have forgotten that we do not own the land; we are only visitors here. We need to take care of mother earth so that she will in return take care of us.

Some of your art ends up on garments that people wear. How would you like people to feel when they wear a garment featuring one of your pieces?

Liz: I want people to feel proud, just as I do when I paint.

What is your greatest indulgence in life?

Liz: My biggest indulgence is spending quality time with my family and friends and reconnecting with mother earth.

We look forward to continuing to collaborate with Liz, promoting Indigenous art to a wider audience and creating uniform items that carry a deeper meaning.

Images: Jarin Street