WHEN Swan Hill artist Tayla Donaczy decided to take up a new hobby to unwind, she had no idea that the process of painting would lead her on a personal journey of discovery.
Growing up, she always saw Indigenous artwork around her father’s home, and she was always drawn to it, but she didn’t see anyone in the family creating it.
“I’ve always loved art and dabbled in it here and there, but recently I decided I wanted to have a real crack at it as a way to connect and learn about my culture,” she said.
“There was a real disconnect in my family due to several members being part of the Stolen Generation and as a result a lot of history and knowledge was lost.
“The impact of multiple generations being removed and displaced from family meant that the stories were not passed from generation to generation, and as I had my own children I wanted them to know where they came from and embrace their culture.”
Donaczy’s family heritage comes from the Mutti Mutti mob, based in the Balranald region.
Through the removal of children through government legislation, people now known as the Stolen Generations, Donaczy felt a loss of identity.
“I didn’t want my kids to go through life not knowing their cultural identity, so I embarked on a journey of discovery and through my artwork I have been able to learn how to use my painting to tell the story of my ancestors.
“It was also a way to pay respect to my family and help ensure that the injustices of the past would not be forgotten, and the suffering would not be for nothing.”
Donaczy describes her venture into Indigenous painting as therapeutic and felt like it was something she was meant to do.
“Once I started, I literally couldn’t stop,” she said.
“I started with cheap paints from Kmart and as I was progressing another Aboriginal artist suggested better-quality paints and since I’ve started using those, I have really found a new quality to my work.
“I love creating and I’m also developing my understanding of storytelling through art and that has been a really rewarding journey so far.”
While her art is inspired by her Mutti Mutti bloodline, she describes her style as contemporary.
What began as a chance to explore her own interest soon drew attention as she posted photos of her work on social media.
“I was quite shocked and delighted to find that other people enjoyed my work and were taking an interest,” she said.
“I received my first commission from a lady in Mildura recently and a local bowls club approached me about creating two pieces to display at their club.
“I am really excited about other interest I have had to work on larger projects within the community.”
Donaczy, 31, has three children with her partner Dylan Nicholson and is equally dedicated her full-time job in the community services sector
“I am super passionate about the work I do with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” she said.
She has been chuffed by the positive response of family and friends to her art and has plans to expand her work in the future.
“I don’t know where it will lead me exactly, I plan to see where it takes me and just follow my intuition,” she said.
“I am learning about the business side of things as I go and hope to be able to develop my understanding of art and my culture.
“I’m sharing a lot of what I’m learning with my own family, particularly dad, as he was also disconnected from his culture, and I think that’s the most rewarding part.
“To be able to share this with him and know my children will understand more than I did growing up is my main motivation and inspires me to keep pursuing my passion.”
To see more of Donaczy’s work, visit the Tayla Donaczy Art Facebook page.
