Two years ago, Altona’s Jena Galvin discovered her Aboriginal roots – a journey that eventually led to her first art exhibition.
Her Aboriginal great-grandmother was born November 9, 1876, near Manus, New South Wales.
It appears the great-grandmother was part of the stolen generation and went by the name of Bridget Winifred Batson, nee Parsons. She raised her 10 children on a farm.
Ms Galvin said she made contact with a local Aboriginal group and attended a workshop it ran. It was through this that she learned and practised Aboriginal art styles.
Ms Galvin said she helped her son paint his first didgeridoo and enjoyed the experience so much that she started painting on canvas in her own style, influenced by her Aboriginal background.
She recalls her childhood on a farm in southern NSW, where she developed a love of the land and explored the bush on her horse.
“The minnows would dart around the crystal clear water and, on the hottest days, the water was ice cold, the best water I’ve ever drank,” she said. “I have always sketched, but painting seems to fill a gap.”
Ms Galvin moved to Melbourne 12 years ago and began working at an Altona veterinary clinic just to be with the animals. She also volunteered with Riding for the Disabled at Melton.
She hopes to return to the bush when she retires … and get another horse.
In the meantime, Ms Galvin is still searching for information about her great-grandmother. She says the family history trail just goes cold.
Her first exhibition, Traditionally Modern, will run from August 7-16 at the Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre in Altona.
It will be launched by Hobsons Bay mayor Colleen Gates on August 8 at 2pm.
