Lisa Michl Ko-manggén, Middens II

Polymer Clay (framed)
28 x 48 x 4 cm

Story- Clay becomes both a material and a storyteller—its natural surface holding impressions, marks, and layered finishes that echo the landscapes, waterways, and cultural sites of my homelands. By blending clay with gold pigment, I create contrasting textures that shift between matte earthiness and luminous shine, symbolising the connection between Country and the precious natural resources found throughout significant Kokoberrin sites.
Colour plays an essential role in expressing memory and emotion. The warm, sunny gold that flows throughout the work represents the brilliance of bright days on Country and the abundance found in nature. This colour choice evokes gratitude, nourishment, and the life-giving energy of the land. Patterns emerge through repeated marks, embedded mussel shells, and layered forms, honouring traditions, ancestral pathways, and the gatherings of families reflected in the ancient shell middens across Kokoberrin Country.
Together, these elements help me capture moments of happiness and joy—sunlit memories held within the land of my ancestors. Through texture, colour, and pattern, my artworks celebrate culture, language, and connection to place, expressing deep respect and gratitude for the stories and homelands that continue to guide and inspire my practice.