Holy Spirit of the land

“Well, for myself I never knew about Ngapuny (God), but I was always told by my elders, my mother and father, a long time ago. I remember them saying: ‘There is one good man up on top. He the one wakes everyone up every day.’

Even though Shirley did not yet understand who God was, she carried a strong sense of a higher power—something or someone watching over her as she grew up.

Shirley recalls her first experiences with the Catholic Church and attending services:

“They used to have church out in Texas (Ngargaroon) until they came here to Warrmarn (Warmun). That’s when I really started to listen and understand about Ngapuny through those preachers.”

Story

Shirley Purdie was born on Gilbany (Mabel Downs) country, close to a cool, flowing creek. This country—its rugged hills, soft colours, and enduring spirit—forms the heart of her artwork.

Using natural ochre pigments, Shirley interprets the landscape of her mother’s country. Her paintings are alive with colour: soft pinks and yellows, bold oranges and reds, earthy browns, deep greens, and muted greys. These tones reflect the contours, seasons, and stories of Gilbany.

In this work, a human-like figure stands on the hilltops of Gilbany. This is Jesus Christ, arms stretched wide in an open-hearted

gesture. At the centre of the painting is a white dove (gooloodoodoogjil), represen????ng the Holy Spirit. Between Ngapuny and the dove, Shirley paints the trees of her country—connecting earth, spirit, and sky.

Shirley’s art expresses her deep truth and enduring faith:

“Ngapuny provides for us when we go out bush, out on country. He watches over us. I believe Ngapuny don’t pick and choose who He loves—He loves everybody.”