I am a Nyoongar artist from Wilmen/Ballardong Country exploring my Spirit through the expression of Aboriginal art. I paint what Spirit brings through me.

Artist

Robin C. Thorne

I am a Wilmen/Ballardong man of the Nyoongar Nation of Southwestern, Western Australia. I was born and spent my early childhood on an Aboriginal Reserve just prior to the 1967 Referendum which recognized Aboriginal people as people and also recognized/acknowledged Aboriginal people as citizens in their own country. I spent my youth growing up on a 9600 acre farm where my father was a farmhand. My brother and I worked daily and tirelessly alongside him in the raising of cattle, sheep and crops, being responsible for all the daily chores required on a farm. I successfully completed ten years of schooling that were available and moved to the city where I successfully completed an apprenticeship in cabinet making.

Because of my commitment to social issues, I trained and worked as a group worker to assist and support children and youth in need who had been placed in the Welfare system. After close to 15 years of service, I became a Peacemaker primarily to assist my Nyoongar people. Due to the complexity of conflict identified as Feuding being that between Aboriginal families or individuals, the journey to true peace is complicated as it involves recognition, involvement and resolution of all involved players in a particular community, thus, the resolution of a particular conflict often involved the participation of much of a community including Police, Housing, Health, Local Government, local Aboriginal Organizations and others. My role in this endeavor was instrumental in successfully altering the direction of many families towards a life of peace and often ending many years of life as exiles within their own community.

During this time I successfully applied for and received a study grant from the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust, which allowed me to travel to the USA, Canada and Hawaii. I was able to visit mostly Native American communities to study and share the experiences of the Native People's in regard to Peacemaking and related community healing practices, both traditional and current. This experience changed and broadened both my world and my perspectives. On my return I continued my Peacekeeping work with my People's best interests as my first focus.
From 2000 I moved on to a number of Community Project Officer type roles and am thankfull for the experiences.

In 2013, I incurred two acquired brain injuries that led to me being placed in an induced coma. Since then, I have faced intense internal battles, including the painful losses of my youngest daughter and my mother. It is undeniable that my survival and recovery have been greatly influenced by the immense love, willpower, and dedication of my wife, Allison. As a part of my healing journey, my wife strongly encouraged me to explore painting. This website showcases most of my creations, which play an integral role in helping me reintegrate into life. Each painting represents a step forward in my recovery, serving as a therapeutic outlet and a way to express myself during this challenging process.

Current

Exhibitions

MPAC - Mandurah Performing Arts Center

October 20 - December 1, 2023

Opening: November 7 - 3pm to 5pm