Our Artist

Sharon Phineasa

Sharon Phineasa is a descendant of the Ait-Koedal(Crocodile)and Dhoeybaw(Wild Yam)clans of Saibaiand Dauan Islands in the Top Western Torres Straits,and because of her deep sense of love and respect for my tribal ancestry and cultural heritage, this drives Sharon tocreate works of art that is the preservation of these importantaspects of her ancestral heritage.

The source of Sharon’s inspirationwould be the Kulba Adithil(oldstories)of myths and legends passedon to her by Island Elders, especially by her Grandfatherwho carved traditionalartefacts.Childhoodexperiences on the islands have alsoprovidedSharon with countless stories to draw upon.

“I feel a great responsibilitytopass on theknowledgeand stories that have been passed on to me, through artisticexpression and on many occasions,I have felt a strong connection to my ancestors as I have toldtheir stories through this means.”

On the other hand, Sharon said that the advantage also of being raised “down south” is where the contemporarystyle influences her art.

Currently living and working in Townsville with her husband and children, she continues to find time in her busy life to take time out and to re-connect with her creativity “not just for myself, but on behalf of my ancestors” says Sharon, “their hope and dreams live on in us and this is our responsibility to continue to keep our culture strong in all aspects of our lives”

Someof Art Exhibitions:

2022AustralianNationalMuseum Connection: Songlines from Australia'sFirst Peoples

2022Diabetes QLDartwork

2021Community Gro artwork

2021NAPL RAP Plan Art

2020SalvationArmy “Making It Happen” artwork

2016NorthQLDCowboys – Winning design forthe NRL Indigenous Round Jersey

2016UMI Arts - Freshwater Saltwater:Existence touring exhibition

2015UMI Arts - Freshwater Saltwater:Existence touring exhibition

2014 UMI Arts - Freshwater Saltwater:Existence touring exhibition

2014 Indigenous Fashion Week, AkinCollection,Sydney