Women with their carrying bowls sitting near the campfire ready to go hunting for bush tucker by Joan Sultan, 32x32cm FJ046JoS

The artist has written on the back of the canvas, "Women with their carrying bowls sitting near the campfire ready to go hunting for bush tucker," along with a detailed description of the iconography. In Joan Sultan's painting, U-shapes symbolise women, the central circle represents their campfire, and the oval shapes depict the women's carrying bowls. The additional circles signify the trees surrounding their hunting area. The soft olive green background represents the country after rain, while the yellow and black elements highlight the bush foods.

Joan Sultan hails from a family rich in artistic talent, including her sisters June and Trephina Sultan, who are also musicians and artists. Her brother, Reg Sultan, an accomplished painter, played a significant role in encouraging her to pursue painting.

Joan's work beautifully captures the essence of Aboriginal life, focusing on the communal activities of women as they prepare to hunt for bush tucker. Her use of colour and symbolism reflects the deep connection between the Aboriginal people and their land. Through her art, Joan preserves and celebrates her cultural heritage, showcasing the importance of community, tradition, and the natural environment in sustaining Aboriginal life. The artist has written a description on the back of the canvas, highlighting her desire to communicate about her work.