MY STORY

CONNECT TO YOUR SENSE OF WONDER

MY STORY

“When I look back at my childhood, I always loved drawing. I remember we had a big blackboard hung up on the inside wall and I would spend a lot of time there. I loved art at school and to write creative stories.
At the age of 17 after completing Year 11, I went straight into a signwriting apprenticeship. I was qualified at the age of 20. I practiced this for a while but didn’t have the money for the proper tools and equipment I needed to sustain my business, eventually deciding to go for other work when the opportunity arose.
Through my dad’s side of the family, I am Aboriginal. I am a Keerray Woorroong, Yorta Yorta woman of the Maar Nation (better known as Gunditjmara), my Grandmother was born at the Framlingham Aboriginal Mission. I feel like I was raised in two different worlds as my mum’s side was mainly of Scottish heritage. It was tough growing up knowing that I was Aboriginal but usually reluctant to say anything due to the cruel things that would be said, given that I am not dark skinned. People’s attitudes astounded me, therefore holding me back from feeling confident with my true identity.
In saying that, my next job was as a Koori Educator in the local Warrnambool Primary Schools, supporting Aboriginal children within the school both culturally and academically for 10 years . During those years I got married and had two children. After working in retail for a few years I then joined Gunditjmara Aboriginal Cooperative as a Koori Pre-school Assistant within the local Kindergartens in 2011. My role was to deliver culturally appropriate educational activities to all the students. Furthermore, I ran and facilitated a Koori Playgroup every Friday. All this made me tap into my creative side again after losing touch with it over such a busy time.
It wasn’t until 2014 that I could feel my creative nature calling me from deep within and I started to draw again. I had forgotten how much I loved it and how satisfying it was, although I was still pretty time poor and didn’t get to it as often as I would have liked.
It was in 2017 that I decided to enter an art competition entering an artwork that reflected Family Violence from a cultural perspective for a new Police Protocols Booklet focusing on Aboriginal Family Violence within our region and much to my surprise I won it. This then gave me the confidence and motivation to keep creating whenever I got the chance.
It has become very clear to me from the start of this year that all the things I have experienced in my life whether it be good or bad, it has shaped me to be where I am and who I am today. I am stronger in my identity and more resilient, embracing and honouring my aboriginality, feeling proud and spiritually connected to my ancestors and country. I include all of these elements within my creations and am passionate about making a difference.
Through the Early Years Education Resource, School Projects and my art, I will continue to spread awareness of Aboriginal culture to the newer generations.
By looking through my website I invite you to take time out and take a journey with me to connect to your sense of wonder.
Connect to your inner - child when you are out in nature. Feel your senses respond to Mother Earth.
Be curious. Look around you, touch, listen, smell, taste and awaken your spirit to the beauty that surrounds us every day, the beauty that we forget to experience and feel when we are busy and stressed.
Open yourself up again to connect to your sense of wonder.”
- Sherry Johnstone

ACHIEVEMENTS

In June 2017 I decided to enter an art competition for Aboriginal artists to create an artwork that would reflect Family Violence from an Aboriginal perspective.

Much to my surprise I won and my artwork now represents the Peeneeyt Kanditj (Strong Relationship) South West Aboriginal and Torres strait Islander Family Violence Police Protocols regional information booklet. The original artwork takes pride of place in the Warrnambool Police station.
ART PROJECTS AND SCHOOL SESSIONS
Sherry shares her passion with school children.
COMMISSIONED PIECES
Commission an original work of art for your business or home.
COMMUNITY ART PROJECTS
Bringing the community together through art. 

SOUTH WEST HEALTHCARE’S RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN ARTWORK

I am proud to be the artist chosen by Southwest Healthcare to create an artwork that represents their Reconciliation Action Plan. 

To me the South West Healthcare’s Reconciliation Action Plan is this service and it’s staff making a pledge.

A pledge to come together to build their awareness and understanding of Aboriginal culture. It’s also about working together to create hope, that through learning, and an unwavering commitment to equality, respect and inclusiveness, this builds trust and relationships in order for Aboriginal and non Aboriginal people to walk and work side by side to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal people for a unified future that creates a ripple effect throughout the community.
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