Art course gives Darleen the tools to help others reconnect with Country

By Greg Chapman

Darleen Oliver is using CQUniversity’s Visual Arts courses to not only capture the beauty of nature but explore her First Nations heritage and connection to Country.

Darleen is a Bidjara woman, a tribal area encompassing the Canarvon Gorge National Park, Augathella to Blackall.

“My family lineage can be traced back five generations. I was born in Charleville, but as part of the Stolen Generation, I grew up in orphanages and later the foster system as a ward of the state,” Mrs Oliver said.

“I have always had a love for art but only been painting since 1994, starting off teaching myself folk art until I learned of my origins and heritage. 

“I took up Aboriginal art, creating family symbols with my sister, as it was forbidden to pass down any cultural language, knowledge and traditions in our family line.”

Darleen said she learned about CQU TAFE’s Visual Arts courses from a friend. She ended up enrolling in the Diploma of Visual Arts – a decision that set her on a new path of artistic and personal exploration.

“I liked that the course was self-paced and online and support was always there when I needed it,” she said. 

“The course is a great way to explore different mediums and techniques, and I have grown in confidence not only with technical skills but also skills that enable me to foster personal expression and critical thinking to pursue a style that incorporates abstract realism with Aboriginal art.”

Darleen’s new wave of expression is now on full display as part of the exhibition, ‘Echoes of Existence’. 

“In Echoes of Existence, I explore the intricate relationship between nature and identity, drawing inspiration from the world around us and the profound impact it has on who we are,” she said.

“This body of work reflects my belief that our identities are not formed in isolation but are deeply intertwined with the landscapes we inhabit and the ecosystems that sustain us.

“As we navigate an increasingly urbanised world, it becomes ever more crucial to reconnect with the natural elements that ground us. My hope is that this exhibition encourages viewers to reflect on their own connections to nature, fostering a sense of belonging and responsibility toward our shared environment.

Darleen encouraged other artists to consider CQU TAFE’s Diploma of Visual Arts.

“This is a great course to explore different mediums and techniques. Don't hesitate to push your creative boundaries, stay open to learning, and embrace the journey of discovering your own unique style,” she said.