Jessica Skeen, known by her cultural name Muralappi—meaning “youngest of my generation”—is a contemporary Aboriginal artist based in Brisbane. A proud descendant of the Kuku Thaypan, Widi, and Birriah peoples of North Queensland, Jessica’s artistry is deeply rooted in her rich family heritage. Her father, Uncle Joseph Skeen, a renowned craftsman and second-generation Aboriginal artefact maker, has been a significant influence, instilling in her a profound respect for cultural traditions and storytelling through art.
Jessica’s versatile style blends traditional Aboriginal motifs with contemporary techniques, resulting in vibrant, intricate patterns that narrate stories of resilience, identity, and connection to Country.
Beyond her canvas, Jessica is dedicated to cultural education and community engagement. She conducts workshops and collaborates with schools, local councils, and Indigenous cooperatives to teach Aboriginal culture and art, aiming to inspire the next generation and promote cultural understanding.
Jessica’s commitment to sharing her heritage and fostering community connections makes her a valued collaborator for Kangaroo Gifts. Her artwork not only enriches our collection but also offers customers a meaningful connection to Australia’s First Nations cultures
Nicole Dickerson is a proud Yamaji woman from Geraldton, Western Australia, with ancestral ties to the Amangu, Naaguja, Wilunyu, and Ngarluma peoples . Her art is deeply rooted in her personal journey, reflecting memories of family traditions and special places that have shaped her identity.
Nicole’s distinctive style combines bold, bright colours with intricate line designs and contemporary dot patterns. Her work serves as a form of healing and self-expression, conveying stories and emotions that words cannot capture .
Nicole’s art has been featured in various exhibitions, including her first solo exhibition, “Memories: My Connection,” which showcased vibrant artworks depicting her memories and connection to her childhood, time spent on country, and love of family.
By incorporating Nicole’s creations into our collection, Kangaroo Gifts celebrates the rich cultural heritage and storytelling inherent in her work, offering customers a meaningful connection to Australia’s First Nations cultures.
Tanya De Bono, known by her cultural name Yakinno—meaning “Dreamtime” in the Gunditjmara language—is a proud Gunditjmara artist from Warrnambool, Victoria. As the youngest of eight children, Tanya’s deep connection to her heritage and the ancient landscapes of her homeland profoundly influence her art.
Her distinctive style is characterized by textured pen sketches that echo the bark and plant forms native to Western Victoria. Often rendered in a monochromatic palette, these works reflect the traditional aesthetics of her region. Tanya’s creations are a blueprint of her imagination, translating dreams and ancestral stories into contemporary designs.
Her artwork features prominently in Kangaroo Gifts’ exclusive collections, adorning handcrafted leather accessories and textiles. Each piece not only showcases Tanya’s artistic vision but also embodies the rich cultural tapestry of the Gunditjmara people
Nathan Patterson is a proud Wagiman man whose ancestral roots trace back to Pine Creek near the Daly River Region in the Northern Territory. Currently residing in Torquay, Victoria, Nathan draws inspiration from both his ancestral lands and coastal surroundings.
The name Diwana, meaning “Wedge-tailed Eagle” in the Wagiman language, holds personal significance as it is also the name of Nathan’s son and his totem symbol.
Nathan’s artistic journey began in his teenage years, leading him to study Fine Arts at RMIT in Melbourne. His work is a dynamic blend of traditional Aboriginal motifs and contemporary design, often featuring native Australian flora and fauna.
Notably, Nathan has designed AFL Indigenous jerseys for teams such as Geelong Cats, Collingwood Magpies, Essendon Bombers, and Richmond Tigers.
Through Diwana Dreaming, Nathan continues to share his culture and stories, creating pieces that resonate with both art lovers and businesses alike.
Sue Schreiber is a German-born Australian artist and surface pattern designer with a love for Aussie flora and fauna.
She has a Bachelors in Fine Arts from RMIT Melbourne and has been constantly discovering art through her travels.
Sue’s artistic talent and expertise transcends various mediums, specialising in chalk pastel and watercolour pencil.
Many years ago, Sue became interested in Australian flora and fauna, passionately turning out art pieces to promote and create funding for wildlife projects. Her passion for this type of art continues until today.
Sue loves teaching art and sharing her talent and expertise with up and coming artists, always encouraging them to follow their own style and passion.
Gaye Ogilvie is a proud Nanda woman and visual artist whose work is deeply rooted in her childhood experiences along the coast of Kalbarri, Western Australia. Her art reflects a profound connection to the land and sea, capturing the essence of places like the Blue Holes—a significant site in her personal and cultural history.
Gayes artwork draws inspiration from cherished memories of visiting special places with her father and siblings serving as her “dreaming,” a term that encapsulates the spiritual and cultural narratives passed down through generations. Through her art, Gaye contributes to the preservation of stories and the revival of the Nanda language, often referred to as a “sleeping language.”
Gaye’s commitment to cultural expression not only celebrates the natural beauty of her homeland but also serves as a powerful medium for healing and cultural education.
Patricia Fatt is a talented Yankunytjatjara artist from Coober Pedy, South Australia, whose vibrant works reflect a deep connection to Country and culture. Through her artwork, Patricia shares the desert landscapes and water sources of her ancestral lands — rock holes, waterholes, and the ochre-rich hues of the painted desert.
Her distinctive style is shaped by her heritage and storytelling passed down through generations, connecting her to the APY Lands where her grandmother was born. Patricia’s art has been showcased nationally, including at the Tarnanthi Festival and the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair.
Each piece by Patricia carries the spirit of the desert and the strength of cultural survival — a powerful tribute to her people and place.