This artwork was created as part of my mental health studies, during a unit that deeply explored the intersection between cultural practice and therapeutic care. The sketch of the young girl gazing at a butterfly was my response to learning about Dadirri—an Aboriginal practice of deep listening, contemplation, and inner stillness.
Dadirri, as shared by Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann, is not just a method of listening, but a way of being. It teaches patience, presence, and respect—qualities that hold immense value in both personal healing and community care. For me, engaging in Dadirri through art became a form of gentle meditation. It gave me the space to pause, reflect, and connect inwardly while also considering the stories and voices of others.
This particular artwork is inspired by the powerful story of Sheila Humphries, a prominent Aboriginal woman whose childhood was marked by systemic trauma, but whose life became a symbol of hope and advocacy for future generations. I reflected deeply on what it means for a child to hold hope, to carry pain with dignity, and to imagine a future brighter than their past. The girl in the sketch is not a literal portrait of Sheila, but rather a symbolic tribute—representing the quiet strength and resilience of many Aboriginal children, past and present.
The butterfly, softly floating beside her, became a symbol of transformation and healing. In many cultures, including Indigenous ones, butterflies embody change, freedom, and rebirth. In this work, the butterfly is a visual expression of that sacred hope Sheila speaks of—a hope to change the life of one child, and in doing so, begin to shift the future.
As I created this piece, I found myself entering a meditative state—one that mirrored the essence of Dadirri. I realised that art and meditation are deeply intertwined. Both invite stillness. Both ask us to look beyond the surface. And both offer a quiet but powerful path to healing.
This experience reminded me that art is not just a creative output; it can be a listening practice, a spiritual reflection, and a way to honour stories that matter. Dadirri showed me how to hold space for silence, for grief, and for hope—all of which found their place in this piece.
In honouring Sheila Humphries’ story and the cultural wisdom of Dadirri, this artwork becomes more than an assignment—it becomes a gesture of respect, a moment of connection, and a commitment to listening more deeply, especially to the voices that have long been silenced.
Thank you for walking this reflective path with me. May we all continue to learn the power of listening, of slowing down, and of healing through art.
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