This painting was created as a testament to the profound impact of the 2020 bush fires. Burnt leaves and Fallen trees was all that remained.
With the hope to raise awareness that cultural burning is needed though out Australia. It also honours the enduring strength and wisdom of Aboriginal peoples as we navigate and adapt to the natural forces.

Melissa Henry is a Contemporary Aboriginal artist located on the South East coast of NSW, on Yuin Country. She is a descendant of the Weilwan people of North West NSW from her father's heritage. Melissa also has Irish heritage from her mother. She was raised in Sydney NSW, on Tharawal Country until moving south in her late twenties.

Melissa lives on Country in the bush with her family and Yindi the Kelpie. She draws her inspiration from her surroundings, her elders and ancestors.

Her life experiences, emotions, feelings and the many natural objects found on Country allow her art to flourish naturally.

Her motivation to paint is to raise awareness and understanding of Aboriginal history and the struggles that can be tied with it. She cares for country to help protect it for our future generations to come, allowing our culture to survive and thrive.

She hopes that her art inspires people to seek out the abundance of Knowledge, beauty and healing qualities that our culture has to offer. This shines brightly through her work.

Milumba is the word for Shine in the local Dhurga language on Yuin Country.

"We all have the ability to shine"

*Please note artwork will not be shipped until after the 2024 Finalist Exhibition which ends in mid-October 2024.