With tradition in mind and at the same time keeping an eye firmly on the future, Aboriginal artist Cheryl Davison is producing some astonishing works.

Distinctly Aboriginal and at the same time modern, her paintings are being snapped up.

Cheryl Davison at work in her Eden studio

The first time I saw her work was at an exhibition in Dalgety some months ago. I remember walking into the hall and being confronted by what I would describe as an “Aboriginal Modern.”

Immediately I thought about buying it. Closer examination unfortunately revealed a red sticker indicating that it had already been sold, minutes after the exhibition opened!  

“How does the Aboriginal community feel about your breaking with traditional painting styles,” I asked.

“Aboriginal communities are much like any other in that some think one thing and others think something else so naturally some like my work and others don’t but to me the most important thing is that I’m happy about what I’m doing,” Cheryl offered from her Eden studio.

Born and bred for the most part on the South Coast and having ancestral roots also in the Snowy Mountain region Cheryl endeavours to include as much of her historical culture into her paintings as possible. 

Many of her works depict Dream Time characters and themes but they are always in Cheryl’s unique style. 

She was encouraged to paint when an observant schoolteacher recognized her talent. Having studied further at the College of Fine Arts, she now also teaches at T.A.F.E and local schools in specially run workshops on Aboriginal art and culture.  

Always searching through art books, Cheryl is particularly fond of the works by painters such as Vincent Van Goph, Piccasso, Ruben, Salvador Dali and Turner, which to me explains her mix of Aboriginal end European styles.  

“Turner’s paintings just blew me away. The stories behind his works reminded me of the Dreamtime Stories. There’s a real connection for me there,” she said.

Cheryl Davison's work combines the traditional with the modern

Working almost exclusively in acrylic Cheryl produces an impressive array of works. 

One piece, involved message sticks (or in this case message leaves from the Snowy Mountains) being placed within the body of the painting. Each leaf was dried, treated and decorated with intricate and minute patterns telling of imminent ceremonies.  

“Message sticks were the ancient e-mail,” she said. “They were carried up and down the coast by runners to inform the other tribes about the next important ceremony.” 

“Although some of the more ‘modern’ paintings contain less detailed and intricate work, they usually take a lot longer to complete because more thought goes into them.

In the early stages I throw a lot away,” said Cheryl. 

Personally, I wouldn’t throw anything of Cheryl Davison’s away. Not even a tiny sketch! 

Cheryl can be contacted on 02 6496 2254 or by emailing kariyalla@hotmail.com 

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