I was born in1983 and my father is from the Gumbaynggir tribe and my mother is from the Dungghutti tribe. Both are Aboriginal artists who have influenced me as an artist. I have worked at Junuys since 2004 and my work mainly reflects stories and images from my dreaming. I like painting and in the future I would like to extend this to designing fashion textiles.
What inspired me to create artwork in the first place came from the influences of my parents. Both my parents are Aboriginal artists so it’s naturally there already in me. I created art works that fit the stories of my ancestors and through my interpretations are the best representations of the stories.
I developed some of my artwork from schools and recently Junuys Youth Business Enterprise for the past two years. As an artist I am developing my creative skills from my dreams I am able to translate these images to the canvas and paper or other medias.
I currently practice as an Artist and the Secretary of Junuys Youth Business
Enterprise (JYBE). JYBE is a place where Indigenous artists can go to create and develop work skills. Junuys participants when finished their artworks sell them in the Junuys Aboriginal Art – Shop.
I recently had the chance to experience exhibiting my artwork with Junuys at ART Sydney 06 and this experience opened my eyes to the requirements of what is expected from artists in the art world.
Hopefully I’ll be able to exhibit my artwork in many more exhibitions and gain more skills but for now I’m still painting my Dreamtime stories.
Original paintings and greeting cards of Raina Donovan’s artwork can be viewed and purchased at Junuys Youth Business Enterprise at 53 High Street Bowraville on Tuesdays & Wednesdays – 9.00am to 4.00pm and by appointment. Phone 6564 7506 or email Junuys@westnet.com.au
Junuys Youth Business Enterprise is under the auspice of Bawrunga Aboriginal Medical Service and has been funded in 2006 by Australia Council for the Arts.
Education & Training:
2002 – TAFE Port Macquarie – Hospitality (Kitchen assistant course)
2003 – Higher School Certificate – West Port Macquarie High School. (Mature
aged student)
Employment:
2004 – 2006 Bawrunga Aboriginal Medical Service – Artist participant in Junuys Youth Business Enterprise (CDEP program)
1997 – 2005 Dancer for Baga Baga Dancers (Traditional & Contemporary Indigenous Dance Group)
Achievements & Events Participation:
2006 – 2nd prize Indigenous Section – Back to Bowra Art Show.
2006 – Tutor for Youth Week workshops for school children in painting, Mook
Mook making and Dance workshops.
2006 – Tutor for April School Holiday for school children in painting, clay
modeling and Greeting card making workshops.
2005 – First Australians Business Course (FAB) – Discovering Enterprise Workshop held at Lismore.
2005 – Office of Indigenous Policy Development – Young Indigenous Women’s Leadership conference held at Kurrajong.
2005 – Born To Read – Literacy Community Project (Bookmaking workshop
2006 – 2nd prize Indigenous Section – Back to Bowra Art show.
2003 – Aboriginal Women’s Law and Culture event.
Exhibitions:
2006 – Back to Bowra Art Exhibition
2006 – Scotts Head Art Show Exhibition
2006 – Art Sydney 06 Exhibition
2005 – Nambucca Valley Art Exhibition
2005 – Breaking Through Exhibition
2005 – Back to Bowra Art Exhibition
