"There are a lot of bad legally binding licencing agreements being signed by unsuspecting Indigenous artists. I am very happy to be a part of a team of artists that has signed a really good licencing agreement with Bulurru. I see that Bulurru do their best to do right by their artists. They are transparent in all they do from maintaining the integrity of the art works, to making sure we artists are paid fair commission in royalties each month. Its refreshing to be working honest people. I advise any Indigenous artist before signing a licencing agreement to get legal advise from Arts Law."
Some Djabugay people today think of Bulurru as 'our God', as distinct from the Christian God they were taught to worship in the mission. Others think of Bulurru as simply the Djabugay name for the one and only God, also the Christian God, which they have always worshipped
]]>This got us thinking that surely we cannot be the only travellers with this problem and that there was a niche in the market place for good quality artistic souvenirs unique to Australia.What could this be?
It hit us like a bolt of lightening! "Australian Aboriginal Art".
It's so beautiful, so unique and so recognisable as Australian.
Well, had we known then what we know now, would we have gone ahead? Most definitely!
We were trailblazers in those days - energetic, young and adventurous and that is what was needed to start a totally new industry in a young country like Australia. Where and how does one start such a undertaking? Well it was all trial and error thirty years ago and we were the first company to endeavour to set up a business where by the Aboriginal Artists and Communities would receive royalties.
Firstly my husband and business partner Sam packed his bags and bought a ticket to fly to the Northern Territory (five hours to Darwin) and then many hours driving to Kakadu.
The roads were dirt roads in those days so one had to drive in a four wheel drive sometimes avoiding crocodiles and Kangaroos crossing the road! His idea was to venture into the outback communities to discuss the possibility of licensing some Aboriginal Art to produce on commercial products for which we would offer royalty payment directly to the artists and the communities.
I on the other hand, spent six months in the National Library researching Aboriginal Art in the archives....down in the dungeons below ground level blowing the dust of the books as I educated myself about the laws and traditions of Aboriginal culture and Aboriginal Art.
"I just wanted to pass on a photo of my 80 year old mum in a kaftan made from your fabric that my grandmother made her over 25 years ago, could be over 30 years ago. She loves it and always has people ask where did she buy it? It's a great piece for traveling which is what my mum does best. Just thought you'd like to see that your fabric is truly loved. She also has a green colour-way too. Both are favourites".
]]>"I have just received this beautiful scarf from my son Mark and his partner Mike. I am having chemotherapy treatment and am delighted with my gift."
We would like to thank Donna for sharing her story with us and allowing us to publish it on our blog. And we wish Donna all the best for her treatment. It means a lot that our scarf helps brighten up her spirit!
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