BONNIE STARICK

Art for me… I found it a new way for me to create platforms for conversations, particularly around mental health, trauma and topics that affect my culture.

It's a positive way for me to express myself and my culture through many different art forms.

My most significant art experience to date has been curating the Walantanalinany Pulingina stall at the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, I have been attending since 2018 and as of 2022 I have been the coordinator and curator of the stall.

I really enjoy coming to Sawtooth’s exhibitions and events. There's always a sense of belonging, no matter who you are. I'd love to exhibit a solo show at Sawtooth one day!

My dream career is to be a cultural & visual arts producer – run a works space, exhibition space – workshops – mentorships – and produce my own work.  I love doing art and wish I could do it everyday.

Biography

Bonnie Starick is a Pakana woman of the Trawlwoolway nation from the Country of Tebrakunna. Her bloodlines come from a long line of strong women; her grandmothers Emmerenna, Wathikawitja and Elizabeth Maynard.

She has a Bachelor of Contemporary Arts and a strong passion for First Nations arts and culture. She has dedicated most of her time to create and support opportunities to give back to her Community through the arts, cultural practices and education. Although Bonnie enjoys many aspects of the arts, her passion is the visual arts and project management.

Recently Bonnie exhibited in the taypani milaythina-tu: Return to Country Exhibition with ‘Blak Enough’, which explored her identity as a light skinned Blak woman, through a large scale installation.

Shortly after this, she curated her first solo NAIDOC exhibition held at RANT Arts highlighting some of Lutruwita’s First Nations artists.
Currently Bonnie is exploring her culture and artistic expression through photography, painting and textile design.

See Bonnie’s 25th Anniversary Print here..