4 minute read
Accessory Design Mentor: Priscilla Reid-Loynes
Priscilla Reid-Loynes, a Gamilaroi Ullaroi woman hailing from the town of Walgett, in North-West New South Wales, has embarked on a creative journey deeply rooted in her cultural heritage. From her childhood memories of vibrant crepe paper flowers adorning tables during celebrations, to the act of collecting and crafting with natural treasures found in her homeland, Priscilla's love for creating runs deep.
As an adult, Priscilla has embraced storytelling as her artistic medium, sharing cultural knowledge and stories as a storytelling artist in early childhood, primary, and secondary educational spaces for more than 25 years.
She has also has delved into the art of weaving, particularly focusing on Yadhaar Gurayn, or feather flowers, and adornment making. These practices serve to remember and honour the traditional ways of adorning homes and creating wearable art as a Gamilaroi Ullaroi woman. Priscilla regards her creative process as an unbroken practice handed down by her ancestors, a timeless tradition she refers to as Maaramaldaana, which encapsulates the essence of continuous creation and being in the world.
Priscilla's artistic endeavors have yielded notable achievements throughout her career. As a creative story artist, she developed Spin A Yarn, a game designed to nurture strong oral language skills in early childhood.
She played a pivotal role in the creation of the television series Little J and Big Cuz, which received a Logie Award in its inaugural season. Priscilla continues to contribute to the show, now in its final (fourth) season.
One of Priscilla's proudest accomplishments in adornment making was reclaiming the tradition by crafting a possum fur wrap for her niece, Luuluu, as a baby, and weaving a basket for her daughter, Sarah. More recently, Priscilla and Sarah were commissioned to create adornments for designer Annette Sax of fashion brand wa-ring. Their work featured in Annette's debut runway show and graced the pages of Façon’s Dreaming Edition in 2022, with the adornments worn by renowned First Nations model Samantha Harris.
Another highlight for Priscilla and Sarah was their collaboration with The Australian Ballet's production The Hum, utilising their knowledge of the Eurah plant from Gamilaroi and Ullaroi Country to eco-dye fabric and incorporate cultural narratives. Witnessing their Maaramaldaana adornments alongside the designs of Taungurung artist Annette Sax on stage at the Sydney Opera House was a stirring moment in their creative journey.
FOR PRISCILLA, THE ACT OF CREATING ACCESSORIES HOLDS DEEP SIGNIFICANCE. IT REPRESENTS A CONTINUATION OF ANCESTRAL PRACTICES, CONNECTING HER TO THE OLDEST LIVING CULTURES IN THE WORLD.
The ability to instill a sense of strength and spiritual connection through her adornments, while passing down knowledge to future generations, is a source of immense joy and fulfillment.
Priscilla draws inspiration from Gunimaa, or Mother Earth, and the rich tapestry of stories and language woven into the Gamilaroi Ullaroi Country and Knowledge system. Dhariwaa, her beloved homeland, teems with diverse plant and bird life. The vivid hues of gum and pine leaves, the expanse of the azure sky, the lilac buddha wood flower (a cousin of the medicinal plant), and the shimmering mussel shells, remnants of her ancestors' gatherings, all serve as wellsprings to spark the imagination. Priscilla finds inspiration in the rhythmic dance of the Earth with water, sun, moon, wind, and the traces left behind in their wake.
When asked to impart wisdom to aspiring accessory designers, Priscilla offers sage advice grounded in her personal experiences. She urges them to draw inspiration from their own Country and lived experiences, their creation stories, and the language passed down by their ancestors. She emphasises the importance of creating with love and care for Country, people, and future generations, thus preserving the integrity of their work.
Priscilla Reid-Loynes's artistic journey serves as a testament to the power of creativity and cultural connection. Through her storytelling and adornment making, she weaves a vibrant tapestry of Gamilaroi Ullaroi heritage, inspiring others to embrace their own roots and contribute to the artistic landscape with purpose and integrity.
Written by JACK BAILEY
