Visualising the D'harawal Seasons and Climatic Cycles

The research involves illustrating the seasonal calendar and traditional stories for Frances Bodkin, an elder of the D’harawal people from the greater Sydney region, for: “D’harawal Seasons and Climatic Cycles” which was published in August 2008. Independent research into the traditional information encompassed a study of the traditional way of life of the D’harawal people, research into the climatic cycles outlined in the publication and a survey of both natural history illustrators and childrens book illustrators and the techniques and media they use. The illustrations rely on a study of natural history in order to provide informative, accurate and naturalistic representations of the plants, animals and environment. The illustrations form a ‘bridge’ between cultures by expressing Aboriginal culture using an art form that is easily interpreted by all Australians. The subsequent artworks were presented to the author to use as illustrations for this publication where appropriate. More books are in preparation dealing with land and water management practices and a collection of Dreaming stories.