ARTWORKS by former Rosewood resident, Aboriginal artist Eulalia Martin, were selected to feature in the Ipswich Spark festival, this year.
Ms Martin is a proud Bunuba, Gija woman, who holds onto her rich heritage, creating many different kinds of Aboriginal artwork, that all tell an important story.
From paintings on canvas to artworks on all kinds of objects, she says her work keeps her busy.
Eulalia attended Amberley kindergarten, then went onto Rosewood preschool and Rosewood State Primary School where she was selected as school captain.
Her high school years were spent at St Mary’s College in Ipswich and Rosewood State High School.
Currently she lives in Ipswich.
A proud Bunuba and Gija woman from the Kimberley in Western Australia, Eulalia was born in Broome – her heritage is both Aboriginal and Irish.
Following her recent resignation from full time work in civil construction after 10 years, Eulalia has followed her dreams and is now a full-time artist.
“My sister Taminga Connell, known as Kimberley Spirit, inspired me to start painting again, and together with my love for God who guides me through my art, this has become a reality,” she said.
“I paint at home, and I hope to inspire others and have my own studio one day – a gallery where people can come to paint with me and learn more about our culture.
“I work on being a gentle voice through my artwork for my Grandparents who were from the Stolen generation.
“I am learning every day more about how beautiful our culture was and trying to keep it alive through my art, it is very spiritual.”
Eulalia describes being selected to be part of the Spark Festival as an honour, one that she will remember for the rest of her life.
“My parents Andy and Gloria Martin flew over from the Kimberley, Western Australia from Kununurra and my sister and her family drove to celebrate the evening with me,” she said.
“Long time friends Bob and Fran who once owned the takeaway shop on Royal George Lane in Rosewood also joined us. They worked in the takeaway when I was growing up in Rosewood.
“I am a mother of four beautiful children and I also have four beautiful grandchildren, all who inspire me every day.”
