About
I am an Independent artist telling stories of the environment, my peoples past & present, our connections to flaura & fauna and playing a small role in keeping our history alive through art.
My name is Stevie Jean O’Chin and I am an Aboriginal artist of the Kabi Kabi (aka Gubbi Gubbi), Wakka Wakka and Koa tribe (aka Guwa) on my father’s side and Wadi Wadi, Wemba Wemba & Wandiwandian – (a subgroup of the Yuin Nation) on my mother’s side.
My paintings are inspired by my surroundings and stories told to me by my parents and family elders.
I have been inspired and influenced by members of my large family, many who are also artists.
Beginnings
Art was my favourite subject at school. I would always be in the art room in my lunch breaks just painting. I had done art as a hobby but didn’t think I could make a career out of it!
Stevie’s former art teacher and mentor, Bec Mennen, said “Stevie developed self-confidence and began to flourish in her art classes.”
“I entered her artwork into an art show. We decided to silent auction the piece and it sold. Stevie got commissions for works after that and slowly grew a good reputation by word of mouth.”
Upon completion of my schooling in 2016, I studied for my Diploma in Visual Arts at Southbank TAFE through 2017, then enrolled in the Bachelor of Visual Arts course with the University of Canberra in 2018.
I deferred after 2 years of studying for my Bachelor, when I signed with Birrunga Wiradyuri & Suzanne Goodchild as their second participant in the Birrunga Gallery’s 3-year Cultural Creative Residential program.
Working under Birrunga & Suzanne opened my eyes, my understanding & magnified my knowledge and experience in the art world. The Cultural Creative Residential program is an experience I will always treasure.
Portraiture
Painting portraits has become a passion of mine. Through my portraiture, I always endeavor to incorporate my Indigenous heritage by applying dot art in each subject.
Painting portraitures has given me much confidence and has enabled me to enter into art prizes such as the Brisbane Portrait Prize, The Sulman Prize and The Archibald Prize.
Connections
Community
Fauna
Nature
My Country
Below are maps of tribes and areas of which (by kinship), I am associated and connected to. I am significantly proud of being interconnected to these clan groups and country, as this gives me a strong sense of belonging, purpose and connection.
