Jandamarra is a Sunshine Coast artist who has received much acclaim for his work – which is just outstanding. He’s just completed a new mural but had this to say while sharing the first images of it.
Been working on this new mural of Evonne Goolagong Cawley. This is the 4th mural I have worked on over the past 2 months. This is 3 days work.. I feel so very blessed to be able to do these amazing visual narratives.. I was introduced to a paintbrush while serving time in a maximum security juvenile facility at the age of 16. I had been in and out of different institutions over my teen years.. But after I was handed a paintbrush I never went back. I lived on the streets when I wasn’t in these places.. It was a rough and turbulent time in my human journey. But I wouldn’t change a thing. As it taught me many things like a deep sense of compassion and empathy. It taught me patience.. it imbued me with a sense of grounded humbleness. As I was around many of those who had nothing and came from nothing. But were willing to share whatever they had in their nothingness with me. I saw that life was far more than what you have, what you do or who you know. It started me on a journey of healing. Healing personal and intergenerational trauma.. And it put a paintbrush in my hand.. I am so grateful.. Maybe if I altered something I wouldn’t be who I am now.. And I am growing to love myself more and more.. We all have a story and we are all on a journey hey. And we are all doing our best to navigate this often challenging thing called life.. Blessings and gratitude to all..
A month or so ago, we went to check out the one he did at Cooroy – it’s also sensational.
Beerwah Kindy mural
Art opens doors to healing, equality, opportunity says Aboriginal artist Jandamarra Cadd
See more of Jandamarra’s work here
And check out my reviews of the fabulous books he’s illustrated with Nicole Godwin and Duncan Smith – Listen and We Are Australians
Just So Stories 
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