With the Black Lives Matter movement in full force why not show your support by following some of our best local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creators? You can support our incredible artists by sharing, engaging and purchasing their work. Let’s start showing our support and commitment to this vibrant community.
@aarlifashion – Fashion and StreetWear brand
1. Who is your mob?
TJ Cowlishaw kinship lies with the Bardi people (grandmother’s side), Ardyaloon (One Arm Point) of the Kimberleys, Western Australia (My family name: Hunter) and she is a descended from the Gypsy Chinese Pirates of Shanghai (grandfather’s side) (My family name: Jan).
2. My inspo for the brand
AARLI a fashion label with a conscience. We’re a first nations brand that specialises in producing custom made sustainable + ethical streetwear.Since its establishment in 2013, AARLI has endeavoured to build its own unique aesthetic through the use of upcycling remnant textiles/products, contemporary urban prints, and limited-edition deadstock apparel.I always wanted to be a role model within my family and my community, and I created this brand to inspire the next generation by giving opportunity and platforms for Indigenous Designers, models and textile artists.My inspiration for garments to save landfill, recycle rubbish and help be part of the change to remove unwanted plastic from our oceans and country.
In addition, see some more Indigenous artists and small businesses that are using Instagram to express themselves and share their work with people across the world. We wanted to highlight some of these incredible accounts which you can support today – see below for a snippet of each of their stories.
@lakkariart – Lakkari Pitt is a proud Gamilaroi Yuwaalaraay woman from Walgett, NSW. Lakkari’s art explores the movement, essence and stories of Country and this is evident in her amazing artistic creations.
@burruguu_art – Authentic Aboriginal Art created by Nhunggabarra artist Sandon Gibbs O’Neill. ‘Burruguu’ means time of creation in Nhunggal language.
@dylanmooney__ – Dylan Mooney is a Yuibera man from Mackay, Central Queensland and a Torres Strait Islander from Waiben Island.
@hausofdizzy – Owner Kristy Dickinson hand-makes all of her jewelry pieces in her Melbourne studio, and now stocked in the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney and online at The Iconic!
@lowannaskincare – Natural skincare brand that uses native Australian ingredients in all their products. They are Australian made, vegan and cruelty-free. Sinead, the founder and owner of Lowanna skincare is a descendent of the Narungga people of the Yorke Peninsula region, and she truly values the nature-based beliefs of her ancestors, in which Lowanna skincare mirrors.
