Lisa
Williams

My name is Lisa Williams, and I am a proud First Nations Wiradjuri woman. I grew up in the small town of Bathurst in south-western New South Wales, where life was simple and creativity came naturally. As a child, I was always happiest with a ball at my feet or mud on my hands. Growing up in a small town meant finding ways to make your own fun, and I often spent time in my dad’s shed, where he helped me build and create things (mostly pieces for my doll’s house). During high school, my love for craft and hands-on learning continued, especially through building, creating, and transforming old furniture into something new. I later moved to the Gold Coast with my husband and our five boys. A few years after relocating, my boys were invited to be part of a group called the C’bah Muggera. Through this experience, I began reconnecting and learning more deeply about my culture. I started volunteering with the group, and it was during this time that I discovered my passion for dot painting. My first dot art piece was a pair of football boots for my son, who wanted to wear his boots with pride and represent who he is. From there, my journey into Aboriginal art grew. Through classes with the group, I learned traditional dot painting techniques, symbols, and their meanings. One of my favourite things to create is boomerangs for the SWELL Festival, where I enjoy giving each boomerang its own unique story. I love the process of watching an idea slowly come together into a finished piece. My goal is to help other students discover their passion through art and design, encouraging them to explore their creativity and find pride in their own stories.