Namok, Rosella

Born and raised near Lockhart River, the artist's connection to her homeland runs deep. Her mother, originally from the Torres Strait, met her father in Lockhart, where she and her six siblings spent their formative years.

Now based in the city of Cairns, she often finds herself yearning for the familiar comforts of home. Her studio becomes a sanctuary where she can channel her longing into her art, a way to stay connected to her mother and family who still reside there.

The act of painting brings her a sense of calm and allows her to reflect on her cherished memories. This profound connection fuels her artistic inspiration, leading her to create works that celebrate the essence of her home.

Drawing from her recollections, her paintings vividly depict the rhythms of life in Cape York, capturing the stark contrasts of the wet and dry seasons. She portrays the powerful forces of nature, the rising rivers, and the feeling of being cut off from the outside world.

Due to the high cost of air travel, she prefers the long drive back home. She makes it a priority to return during school holidays and especially for Christmas, when she can spend quality time with her mother and family. While school holidays are often too short, the extended Christmas break allows for deeper connections, fishing trips, and shared moments before the arrival of the rains.

Although she lacks extended family in Cairns, she enjoys a warm relationship with her neighbors. Her returns to Lockhart River are met with enthusiastic welcomes from family and friends. She eagerly embraces the opportunity to reconnect with her cultural heritage, venturing out on the land for fishing and camping expeditions.