Jenna Oldaker

How did your creative journey begin? 

My creative journey begun from a young age, I have always enjoyed creating and being able to express myself through art. When I was young my grandmother, Aunty Violet McPherson, would always be teaching me new arts and crafts, from drawing to painting, to weaving or knitting. Painting was always what I enjoyed the most as a child, and that just grew as I got older. I have so many fond memories of the art and craft projects my Nin and I would do together, and she is such a big inspiration for the work that I create now because of that. In terms of the contemporary Indigenous art I create now, I have really only been focusing on that for the last few years, but it has truly brought me the greatest joy.  Being able to represent my heritage and culture, and also use that as a tool for education as well, is a big reason behind why I create. 

I create my artwork under the name ‘Murrup Art’. Murrup is the Wadawurrung word for spirit/dream. The reason why I chose the name Murrup Art is because I feel as though my art comes from my ancestors and their spirits through me. I am sharing our culture, our stories and our spirit through my artwork, and to be able to do so is such a gift.

How would you describe your practice?

I’m a contemporary Indigenous artist, focused mainly on visual art through painting.  I work mostly with acrylic paint on canvas, and if you’ve ever seen my artwork before, you will know it’s very brightly coloured! My passion is to create highly customised and unique artworks. With each hand painted piece, I’m creating a story with meaning whilst also educating others about Wadawurrung culture and Country. I work closely with each person to ensure that I have a clear creative brief for them, as I incorporate their values and ideas with my own heritage and culture.

My artworks are largely inspired by the traditional marks and symbols from the dream time and also from Wadawurrung Country itself. Before I even begin a new artwork, I always take the time to ‘just be’ on Country and tune into the land and spirits themselves. To feel that connection, and that sense of responsibility to continue on our culture and heritage and ensure that it is protected and not lost for future generations is really important to me. 

What are you working on right now?

I’ve been doing a lot of work recently with different local schools and early learning centres, helping them to create their own creative vision and what being on Wadawurrung Country means to them. Often the school will already have their own RAP (Reconciliation Action Plan) in place, and I help to take those ideas, values and principles to create an artwork. I often work with the children themselves, helping to educate them about Wadawurrung culture and the land we are on, and how they can express these ideas through their own art. They draw or paint their own ideas, and then I take those away and incorporate them with my own culture and heritage to create something that is unique and special to them and their journey. Not only does this help educate the young ones about Indigenous culture, but it also opens up those conversation that they may not have even thought of previously. Being able to create art, is often such a freeing experience for everyone, but in particular children, and I find it helps them to be far more open to learning in a way they feel comfortable with.

Children now have such a greater knowledge about Indigenous culture and what that means. When I was growing up, no one would even know what land they are on, or what an Acknowledgement of Country is, but now when I visit schools, they share with me their Acknowledgment of Country, they thank the Wadawurrung people for their land and spirit. It’s just amazing to see these changes happening, small changes, but still, it feels as though we are moving in the right direction.

 What is your connection to Ballarat?

I’m born and bred in Ballarat on Wadawurrung Country. I have such a wonderful connection to the community here, my parents still live here, and I’ve had the pleasure of making so many new and old friendships through the years. To be a Wadawurrung Traditional Owner on Wadawurrung land really means so much to me, and inspires me every day. To know that I am walking on the same land as my Ancestors, and being trusted to continue on their legacy, their stories, their spirit, is such a blessing.

I often think once an artwork is complete, I wonder what my grandmother, and her father (my great-grandfather) would think, and how proud they would hopefully feel of all Wadawurrung has achieved through its years.

How would you describe the creative community in Ballarat?

The creative community in Ballarat is just incredible. They are such a warm, kind and inviting collection of people, and it’s been such a joy to be even just a small part of it. Every single person I have met in the community has been amazing, and the best part is, it’s only just getting bigger and better.

Can you give us three words to sum up your inspiration?

Country, story-telling, spirit.

Follow Jenna on Instagram at Murrup Art.

Images: Top 1 & 2 by Lachlan Phyland, others provided by artist.