A LAND
DOWN
UNDER We chat to some Aussie businesses about their latest products and why they are so passionate about involving the indigenous community in their collections.
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oh Living is known for its collaborations with Indigenous women and has once again partnered with renowned Aboriginal artists to create unique art-inspired gifts including Michelle Possum, Khatija Possum, Pammy Foster and Annette Nungala. In Koh Living’s new collection, Sacred Country, generational wisdom and narratives are brought to life by Aboriginal women from Australia’s central desert region. “It has always been our mission to make ‘gift giving’ easy with meaningful pieces that don’t break the bank,” says Koh Living co-founder, Tui Cordemans. On this, the Sacred Country collection does not disappoint. Each personal artwork shares a story of family, country and the significant spaces in which women gather together. Paying homage to the ceremony and traditions of Indigenous women, the colourful artwork is imbued with great beauty that will easily find a home in lounge rooms, kitchens and 46 giftguideonline.com.au
on dining tables across Australia and the world. Artworks in the Sacred Country collection reflect the artist’s individual style whilst upholding traditional techniques. Playing with rich colour palettes and composition, these women have placed their own mark on moments of spiritual significance. It is this layering of old and new that appeals to contemporary audiences and their own modern living spaces, adds Cordemans. “We are excited to present a whole new way in which to admire and appreciate the art of these Aboriginal women on products like our signature candle holders, lamps, drink bottles, notebooks, mugs, bags and coasters. “These illustrated Dreamtime stories are the perfect gift for that special person in your life. Passed from friend to friend, mother to daughter, they seek to guide women and indeed people as they learn to understand their culture and the land on which they find themselves.
Koh Living bag
“A vibrant celebration of family ties and the traditions that hold us together, the Sacred Country collection is a timely reminder of women’s enduring power and their guiding influence in the world.”
Our story to tell Sharing stories through art and design is what Aboriginal business, Ngarga Warendj (Dancing Wombat), is all about. For director Mick Harding, ‘art is a rainbow of many things’ and his own practice demonstrates this openness to innovative design. His company is known for highquality products that are produced by hand or through ethical licensing agreements.
Harding belongs to the YowongIllam-Baluk and Nattarak Baluk clans of the Taungurung people and his designs are inspired by his country and the symbols of his ancestors from the southeast of Australia. He is also a cultural educator and his commitment to knowledge is reflected in the cultural narratives that inform his works. “[Creating] my art is a way to be both culturally and financially independent,” he says. “It is also for my children and my community—buying genuine products from Indigenous artists puts money into our pockets and into our communities. We are closing the gap ourselves.”