At the mouth of the Maroochy River, where the earth transitions into the salty swirl of the ocean, my ancestors hosted sacred ceremonies along the coastline, extending as far as Deception Bay. Indulging in lavish feasts heaving with oysters and shellfish, they discarded their shells into towering piles that reached over six meters high--this abundance, celebration, and community created a Midden. The Middens were destroyed by early settlers, who violently dispersed these shells to construct the Sunshine Coast's first roads.The remnants of the Middens silently testify to the harmonious relationship my ancestors shared with each other and the land.

My name is Zartisha Davis I am a proud Kabi Kabi woman and artist I come from the Mooloolaba Chilly family we are the Mooloolah plains and Meridan plains people we are shellfish eaters, canoe makers and healers, our bloodline is connected to the Mooloolah river we are the red belly black snake clan. My songlines also include belonging to the Cobble Cobble people of the Barungam Nation also known as the caretakers of Bonyi (Bunya Mountains) and also belonging to the Butchulla people from K'Gari.
Growing up on Kabi Kabi Country and being raised by my Great grandmother my artwork often depicts stories from my family tribe and country with my signature pieces being that of the Shell Middens.

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