04/09/2026
No one owns symbols, but copying the exact placement, colours (literally every colour in a piece), almost every stroke, is not okay.
Without dwelling on it too much, I will say that unfortunately, people do try to copy my art - which is obviously incredibly upsetting and unsettling.
If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ll know I’m the first to support, uplift and help other Aboriginal artists, and I’ll continue to do that wholeheartedly.
But there is a difference between being inspired by someone’s work and copying it. I’ve even had people copy my CAPTIONS & artwork stories, down to every word 🥴… veryyyyy unauthentic.
I’m sharing this because I want other artists to know that unfortunately, this can happen. Protecting your work, your ideas and your stories is so important.
In the last few years, I’ve intentionally chosen not to share particular details about the symbols and meanings I use in my artworks on here. I do workshops and I absolutely believe in teaching and sharing - but there is a time, place and appropriate way to do that.
I don’t believe Instagram is the place for me to teach other Aboriginal people their culture. That knowledge comes from your Elders and Old People, and that’s the cultural principle I was taught.. culture is passed down through generations.
So, that’s all from me.. for now.
Be authentic. Create your own. Respect other people’s work.
And most importantly, respect culture & our Old people 🫶🏽
