Bianca Templar
Photo by Nick Hanson
There are two reasons I began my arts career, firstly due to my love for culture and being fed up with continually being told that my people aren't real and we don't exist, I really wanted to show people that despite their misconceptions, we are still here, still continuing culture and that is something that will never change. Secondly, as a woman of culture, you often feel a responsibility in certain areas, my nan Aunty Gloria Templar was a well-known and respected Elder and shell stringer, I was the only grandchild that learnt to shell string, when she got sick she gifted me the rest of her shells, she passed away not long after this; from there I have seen it was my responsibility to continue these traditions and continue to pass them down.
My art is a way for me to connect in with my ancestors and my country; although I live with a disability (brittle bones) my art practice encourages me to go out on country, to enjoy aspects of my life that I wouldn't normally be able too. It allows me to show the world that despite how many times I hear "aren't you all meant to be dead" I will never cease being who I am, or continuing the legacy of my old people.
My favourite art experience would be when I went to Hawaii on a cultural exchange. I was very lucky to learn their history and cultural crafts; including shell stringing and weaving. Not only did this provide me with ideas and concepts to further my practice, it was enriching to learn the similarities and differences between our cultures and share them.
Sawtooth has allowed me to experiment with my art practice and push myself into more experimental practices. Sawtooth provides a supportive and encouraging environment for artists to excel within their career.
Biography
Bianca Templar is a proud Truwulway/Bunurong women who resides on the unceeded banks of the Kanamaluka (Tamar River, Launceston). Since she was young, Bianca has been learning about her culture and cultural crafts that have been handed down through her family, such as the art of weaving and shell stringing starting when she was young watching her nan shell string at the kitchen table. Bianca is very lucky to have been raised around her elders and enriched with cultural knowledge, Bianca now works hard to teach others about the importance of her culture and the true history of Lutruwita through her art.