‘Incredibly powerful’: Meet the region’s inspiring First Nations artists

A group of Indigenous artists and storytellers have opened up about their culture and inspiration behind their incredible artworks and vision for the future of First Nation creatives.

After two years of hard work, three inspiring Toowoomba artists have joined forces to launch the First Nations Arts and Culture Collective (FNACC).

Designed to celebrate Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander artists across Southeast and Western Queensland, the inaugural exhibition launched on July 2 to coincide with NAIDOC Week.

More than 10 First Nations artists including 17-year-old Clay Dempsey showcased their work at The Toowoomba Lighthouse’s The Write Gallery.

FNACC directors Barb Walker, Marisa Ballinger and Cheryl Moggs said the event was the first of its kind in the region and would return to the venue next year.

“It takes me back to when I was a child or just starting out and we never would have had this opportunity in my time,” Ms Moggs said.

“The collective gives these artists and the next generation an opportunity and space to show their work.

“By building these strong, deadly and connected youth, the collective will be incredibly powerful.”

At the inaugural First Nations Arts and Culture Collective is co-director Barb Walker. Picture: Rhylea Millar

Barb Walker

Proud Wiradjuri woman from Wagga Wagga country, Barb Walker has been a full-time weaving artist for more than 14 years.

The talented artist began weaving after she was encouraged to pursue the skill by elders from her hometown.

Initially a quilter, Ms Walker soon discovered a new love in weaving for its light-weightedness as well as how the art form made her feel.

“Weaving is how I ground myself – it calms me, it makes things become clearer and it puts things into perspective,” she said.

“Working with natural products really connects me back to the country and I’m finding the older I get, the more I need that connection.

“When I weave, I think of my aunts and my family and of taking my shoes and socks off at home to connect with the ground and all of that goes into my art.”

From sister baskets and dilly bags to earrings and weaving around gourds, Ms Walker sources natural materials for her pieces including raffia, flax, bulrush, wisteria and jacaranda needles, with some items taking up to 80 hours to complete.

A former nurse and midwife, Ms Walker moved to Pittsworth with her husband three years ago to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren.

“The local First Nations community have welcomed us – mind you so has the entire Pittsworth community – but being accepted into the local community has been wonderful and in a sense, helped ground me too,” she said.

“When I sold my first basket at a market it was the most incredible experience and encouraged me to keep going.”

At the inaugural First Nations Arts and Culture Collective is co-director Marisa Ballinger. Picture: Rhylea Millar

Marisa Ballinger

When Marisa Ballinger is not doing art, she can be found using her hands to create almost anything – from sewing and gardening to renovating houses.

The proud Wiradjuri woman, who was born and grew up in Toowoomba but who’s family descend from Ngiyampaa country, started weaving four years ago.

Despite only learning the skill then, Ms Ballinger believes she always had the soul of a creative.

“I could say I’ve been an artist for most of my life because I’ve always been creative, I love keeping busy and always have some idea going on in my head,” she said.

“My weaving journey all came about when I was exploring my (Indigenous) identity because we were not connected to it when we were young.”

Ms Ballinger said the art of weaving had offered her a sense of connection, healing and cleared her mind of noise, describing it as “one of the best things to ever happen” to her.

Using materials such as bamboo cord, raffia, vines, cane, plant fibres, rope and steel wire, the weaving artist said some pieces took 20 to 40 hours.

The former hairdresser and retail worker is currently studying visual arts at university and has dreams to one day enter the curation space.

“Sometimes weaving is a lot like pottery in the sense you go in with a preconceived idea but it ends up going its own way,” Ms Ballinger said.

“The flow comes and it goes where it wants to go and you just have to follow it but sometimes it turns out more beautiful than you could have ever imagined and that’s what I love most about it.”

At the inaugural First Nations Arts and Culture Collective is co-director Cheryl Moggs. Picture: Rhylea Millar

Cheryl Moggs

From the moment Cheryl Moggs was born, she was connected to her mob, culture and country.

The proud Tarmunggie woman from the Bigambul nation grew up on a bush reserve and lived in a tin shed with dirt floors and no running water.

“I was really lucky because that meant I was always connected to country,” Ms Moggs said.

“It has really shaped who I am as a person because I know where I came from.”

For three decades, Ms Moggs was a teacher by trade who educated students in primary, secondary and tertiary schools about subjects including Indigenous origins.

Despite the change in career, the now practising artist, painter, weaver and textile designer, has continued to teach others through the power of storytelling, connection and art.

“Aboriginal art is all about country and we’re great storytellers so it gives us an opportunity to raise awareness, break down barriers and bring people together,” Ms Moggs said.

“Even though I live in Toowoomba and my country is two and a half hours away, when I get into the zone, I feel like I’m still there, I can still see the rivers and I’m connected.”

The internationally-recognised artist has her work showcased in some of Queensland’s largest shopping centres including on the digital screens at Grand Central in Toowoomba.

After 12 months of hard work, Ms Moggs also made several vital contributions to the Toowoomba Regional Council’s Russell St Refresh Project including a large mural and street lights which project her lasercut designs.

She also received an Order of Australia Medal in 2022 for her service to the education industry.