Jacinda Hayes
Jacinda Hayes was born in 1992 at Woola Downs near Ti Tree, north of Alice Springs. She learned to paint from her grandmother, well known artist Margaret Scobie, who passed down the traditional techniques and cultural knowledge integral to their heritage.
Artistic Style and Themes
Jacinda's artwork focuses on the Bush Medicine Leaf design, inspired by a native shrub abundant in the desert regions of Utopia. These leaves change color and medicinal properties with the seasons, and Jacinda’s brushstrokes, depicting the leaves drying in the sun, create a mesmerizing rhythm on the canvas.
Cultural Significance
The process of making bush medicine is a traditional practice that has been used for thousands of years for spiritual and physical healing. Aboriginal women from Utopia gather the leaves, which are then dried, ground, and mixed with animal fats to extract medicinal oils. This practice is integral to Aboriginal culture, emphasising the deep connection between the land and its people.
Personal Life
Jacinda is a mother of six, and she continues the artistic legacy passed down from her grandmother. Her work emphasizes the cultural and healing significance of Bush Medicine Leaves, reflecting the importance of these leaves in traditional health practices.
Summary
Jacinda's paintings are rooted in deep cultural history, showcasing the importance of Bush Medicine Leaves in traditional Aboriginal health practices. Her artwork not only preserves this cultural heritage but also highlights the ongoing relevance and significance of these traditional practices in contemporary times.
