Sandra Ase

Taepathiggi

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Sandra is a proud and respected member of the Taepathiggi clan, a community with deep roots in the land. She was born in the beautiful and scenic town of Townsville, surrounded by nature’s beauty. Her background is rich with the traditions and stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Her culture plays a big role in her life and work. The crocodile is her sacred totem, a symbol that holds deep meaning. It represents strength, protection, and her connection to her ancestors and the land. For her, the totem is more than just an animal; it’s a spiritual guide and an important part of her cultural identity. Sixteen years ago, Sandra’s life changed forever when she lost her mother. Her mother was a source of strength and wisdom. Her passing was heartbreaking, but it also sparked Sandra’s love for art. Art became her way to heal and honour her roots. Through her paintings, she captures the spirit of her people and their land. Sandra’s artwork is full of vibrant colours and detailed scenes. Each piece tells a story from the Mapoon people, a community with its own rich history. Her paintings show how her people live close to the land and care for it. She depicts the places they call home, like sacred sites and common gathering spots. The artworks are alive with movement and meaning. To her, every brushstroke helps preserve her cultural heritage and traditional ways of life. Her work also features totems. These are symbols that connect her people to their ancestors and protect them. The totems act like guardians, watching over her community and reminding younger generations of their history. Her paintings serve as a way to keep traditions alive, especially for children. She believes her art holds the power to pass on her people’s identity from one generation to the next. She hopes her work inspires others to learn about her heritage and respect the land that sustains her people. Her paintings are more than beautiful pictures; they are stories shaped by her history, beliefs, and feelings. Her art is her voice, a way to share her story with the world and honour her ancestors’ legacy.