SHERYL J BURCHILL | 'Jakal Balji (full basket)' | Etching

Sheryl J Burchill

Language Group:  Kuku Yalanji and Kuku Nyungkul

Traditional Land:  Daintree, Shipton’s Flat, China Camp & Bulban

Totem:  Black & White Cockatoo

Lives:  Mossman, Far North Queensland

Artwork Story:

"The Kuku Yalanji language word for our Basket is Balji (pronounced buhl-jee).  The baskets are made from river grass or black palm.

This basket may be empty to many but my inheritance, my Balji, is full – it is full of my Kuku Yalanji culture handed down to me by my Ancestors."

Artist biography:

“I come from an artistic family which includes my brother and my two sisters.  We were raised by a strong mother who in turn received ongoing support and guidance from our grandparents.  The stories from my mother and grandparents, the landscape and the environment are inspiration for my artwork.  Connection with my Culture and the sense of knowing where I come from keeps me grounded as a person. It also gives me the strength and courage to take on anything life throws at me. Being able to share with others, all I have learnt about my Culture through my art is a blessing.

I have completed a Diploma in Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) Cultural Visual Arts through TAFE. Media studied include screen printing, batik, lino printing, textile printing and etching. My aim is to use my Kuku Yalanji Culture to inform my knowledge of our Traditional Stories and life style and to use contemporary means to express my ideas.  I dedicate my artworks to my two sons, my mother and my grandparents Budibabi and Mujginidja.

I hope you get much satisfaction out of one of my pieces, as I had creating it.” - Sheryl J Burchill 

SHERYL J BURCHILL | 'Jakal Balji (full basket)' | 2024 |  Etching | 55.5 (h) x 76 (w) cm | Edition of 10