About the Artist
Who am I?
Tarni Jane
Mununjali X Wiradjuri X Kamilaroi
Mob
Let me introduce you to my Nan, Patsy, whose childhood on Nanamai Mission in Wellington, NSW. With nine siblings by her side, Nanamai was home. At such a time Nans culture and identity was challenged through great adversity. Her dad, my great pop Harold Riley fought in World War 2 in Papua New Guinea. During this time, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People were not acknowledged for their duties during the war and often were our forgotten hero's. Pop Harold returned and after the passing of his wife Nans mum Marjorie Carr, Nan and her Siblings relocated to Dubbo Reserve.
Nan Patsy, Baby Kingsley (first born grandson) and Pop Kevin
On the other side of my family tree lies my grandfather, Kevin, who grew up on Bura Bee Dee Mission in Coonabarabran. His upbringing mirrored Nans, shaped by the values of community, and a deep connection to the land.
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Dad, Nanna Bene, Mum and Myself Dad, Poppa Bene
Turning to my father's lineage, my Nanna grew up in Beaudesert, Queensland, where she was surrounded by the natural beauty of the hills and mountain countryside. No to forget my Poppa, who journeyed from Hungary to Australia amidst the turmoil of the Hungarian Civil War, seeking refuge and a new beginning.
Through the lens of my family's story, Welcome to my world.
Despite the demands of my day job as a teacher, I devote my spare moments to creating. My classroom becomes a canvas for cultural exchange, where I hope to inspire young minds to appreciate and celebrate First Nations Australian culture.
Beyond the classroom, I am a kinship foster carer to three beautiful boys all under the age of 6. With love and dedication, I aim to provide them with a nurturing environment rooted in cultural values, ensuring they grow up with a strong sense of belonging and identity. Through my role as a foster carer, I am not only shaping the lives of these boys but also fostering a sense of community and kinship that extends far beyond my own family.
Where it All Began.
My artistic journey was ignited by the loss of my father. In the wake of his passing, my art emerged as a powerful medium through which I could express my emotions and connect with others.
My very first artwork held a great significance as it was created in honour of my late father and his courageous battle with cancer. It was a time of immense heartache and intense emotions, as our family navigated the tumultuous journey of his illness. Witnessing the physical and emotional toll that cancer took on my father and our entire family was an experience that left an indelible mark on my soul.
In the midst of this trauma and loss, I found solace and strength in my connection to my culture and art. It became a way for me to process my emotions, to express the depths of my grief, and to commemorate the spirit and resilience of my father. Through the act of creating art, I felt an undeniable closeness to him, as if our souls were intertwined through the strokes of the brush.
The gruelling stress and heartache of losing a father are unparalleled, but it was through this adversity that my passion for my culture and art truly ignited, serving as a source of healing, connection, and empowerment on my journey of grief and self-discovery.
My Purpose
As a storyteller through art, honouring my cultural integrity is paramount. Through art, I reclaim narratives that have been silenced, amplifying voices that have been marginalised, and perpetuating traditions that have endured centuries of adversity.
I seek to bridge cultural divides and invite others to engage with First Nations stories, traditions, and perspectives. Each brushstroke and colour choice carries intention, inviting viewers to delve into the rich tapestry of Aboriginal culture and history.
My art becomes a channel for dialogue, fostering understanding, empathy, and appreciation for the diverse experiences of First Nations peoples. By sharing my artistic creations, I aspire to create a sense of belonging and unity, transcending barriers and inviting individuals from all walks of life to connect with the profound beauty and resilience of First Nations heritage.
It is through these connections that we can build a more inclusive and harmonious society, one that embraces the richness of cultural diversity.
My Goals
My ultimate goal is to leave behind a cultural legacy that my parents and my boys can be proud of, one that honours our heritage and inspires future generations to continue striving for the betterment of our people. Each brushstroke, each lesson taught, and each moment shared with my boys, my students, my family and community is a testament to my commitment to preserving and perpetuating the beauty and resilience of Aboriginal culture.