Bernadine Kemarre Johnson b. 1974

Bernadine paints a unique version of the Bush Medicine Leaf design that was taught to her by her family members. She depicts the leaves of the healing native botanicals drying on the ground through her delicate and rhythmic brush strokes. Bernadine fills the space between the leaves with tiny white dots indicative of the seeds, which can also be used for medicinal purposes. Bush Medicine is a deeply significant part of Aboriginal life, and song and ceremony is still performed by women to honour the spirit of the plants in the hope that they will continue to grow and regenerate.