Jeannie Hayes Artist statement

My work expresses my emotions and my opinions; it also helps me to connect with my identity and my black history. I feel I’m releasing pent up thoughts and emotions through my art. Things that maybe considered inappropriate or too sensitive for the general public; experiences from a dark period in my lifetime which I haven’t disclosed.

    I enjoy expressing the love I have for my Dad, I make art to honour him. I also express my disappointments and my anger through my art and this helps me to take a good look at myself.

I am a Narringeree Darung Aboriginal Artist. My work is about my life and my connection with my history and I will continue to refine my style.

I like the feel of the materials I use especially brush work on black paper. This is what I feel at ease with it’s like bringing the spirits back to life.

I’m just beginning to do this work and I like exploring different techniques, styles, materials and tools, this will assist my progress. I am trying to challenge my ideas.

home and away3

Most people who know me, refer to me by my nick name of Gypsie.

A little about me.

My name is Jeannie Hayes,  I was born in Carlton Victoria and raised in South Australia. At the age of ten, I was taken from my family and placed in Institutional care. My mother is of Irish ancestry and I am a descendant of the Narringerri  mob in South Australia. I’m the 5^th eldest child from a family of 12 children and a Forgotten Australian. My gift for talent, I believe comes from my Aboriginal father, whom is quite talented with short stories, poems paintings and drawings. I’m currently studying Certificate III in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts at Eora Tafe in Chippendale N.S.W. Australia. My current talent is in verse with my words inspired by past and present events in my life and what I see around me, things that amuse me and things that make me sad.

The urge to go walkabout remains a strong urge within me and has at times been my downfall. Walkabout at the age of fifteen landed me in the notorious Parramatta and Hay Girls Institutions. I am currently working on a short story book containing memoirs of the sufferings I endured during my incarceration in these institutions.

I have a Certificate IV in Animal Studies achieved at Bankstown Tafe. I so enjoy animals and currently only have my one dog. She goes almost everywhere with me and frets when I leave her behind. She is a cross staffordshire with Labrador.

I enjoy walks through the bush, camping, fishing, reading, puzzles, travel and country music. I can be found at the Tamworth Country Music Festival every January, camped down by the Peel River. I also go to the mini Country Music Festival at the Entrance on the Central Coast in April.

I have mustered, branded, earmarked  and drenched  sheep and cattle. I have also ridden a horse, raced camels, rode the mad cow and enjoyed rodeos. I have appeared on T.V and spoken on the radio about some of my life’s experiences.