Bonnie Paterson

I have no formal art training and a lot to learn. I am mostly self-taught or use techniques that have been taught to me by family. I began painting a few years ago for my own mental health and it became a form of therapy for me . I created Maruma-Li Yurrun (“to heal scars”) to share my art, culture and stories with others.

I’ve always been creative and always loved all forms or art. Art for me, is a way of understanding and expressing the world around me. It’s where I process experiences, hold stories and make sense of life’s journeys – both the good and the hard. My paintings explore themes of healing, connection, identity and emotions, using visual storytelling to reflect the different paths we walk and the people we meet along the way.

As an Aboriginal artist, my connection to Country, family and culture is at the core of everything I create. I’m especially inspired by nature, the land and people’s relationship with it and each other. I create not just to tell my own story, but to also create space for others to see themselves in the work. I believe that art has the power to connect people, to spark reflection, conversations and healing – honouring where we’ve been, recognising where we are, and embracing the journey forward. I’ve had artworks in the 2025 Bendemeer Art Show and in the 2026 Joblink Plus First Nations Art Competition and have created many commissions for individuals.