User:Cheryl Craig

 Cheryl Craig   Born: 1967

Place: Jerilderrie N.S.W Australia

Cheryl is a descendant of the Wiradjuri Tribe which is one of the largest nations of Tribes still in existance in Australia and a self taught artist.

Cheryl's style of art is mainly Aboriginal but her styles are diverse, such as aboriginal art, fantasy, landscapes and real life subjects. She uses mainly acrylic paints in her works. Cheryl has been known to use Ink, Charcoal, water colour, ceramic and glass and oil paints.

Cheryl often reflects of her time spent with her families and of her Father and Mother telling her stories of long ago. Cheryl says "My aboriginal art is more of a spiritual tool rather than just an art. It's my connection to the land and my ancestors. Anyone can paint a beautiful picture but to paint a story that has been told from generation to generation for thousands of years right down to me ... It's quite a special feeling."

Cheryl adds “ I remember when I was only 9 years old. My teacher loved my art, but she encouraged me to enter an art contest that was being held at the Cowra Art Gallery. I was to paint a picture of the Taj Mahal. I had people riding camels and people selling their wares in this painting. My teacher loved it and that got me a prize in the art contest.

“I often look at my art and wonder what people see, if they see the story I have in my mind when I am painting. My Mum always said that was what I was meant to do...share my peoples stories and lives with others. Help them see the beauty of my people”