Tulearah Shield: Finding Inspiration in Connection

Tulearah Shield is a proud Bonner and Bundjalung woman from the Yugambeh and Githabul nations, living on Jagera Land in Brisbane. Through her art, Tulearah celebrates identity, culture, and resilience. Every piece she creates is a tribute to her ancestors and a powerful expression of love for her son, Symon Ivor.

‘My name is Tulearah, I have always loved showing my culture through art. I am a Bonner, a Bundjalung woman on Jagera Land. My vision is to inspire and connect through my artwork.’

For Tulearah, painting is more than creativity, it is cultural preservation. Her connection to Country and kinship runs deep, and she uses her art to tell stories of strength, as well as bridging past and present with honesty and heart.

‘I am doing this for my son, Symon Ivor. I hope to teach him our culture with art. He is my biggest inspiration to be able to create something beautiful. It’s very important to me that he doesn’t lose his true identity and he is able to proudly show off his culture.’

Tulearah’s pieces are bold and meaningful. They reflect her deep sense of pride and the strong bloodline she comes from.

‘We are always connecting with our culture whether that be through art, going on cultural camps or raising awareness. Nothing will stop us from being proud and that is all that matters.’

Her collection at Gioia Wall Art includes deeply personal works that explore themes of growth, family, and empowerment:

 

Earth’s Gathering

This piece honours the richness of the land. With warm earthy tones and golden accents, it captures the essence of the Australian outback. Quandong plants and gathering spots symbolise community, nourishment and shared knowledge.

 

 

Grounded

''Finding your path. She finds distractions around her; take control, stay focus on your dreams, walking into the new life. This print represents a young woman’s journey and the challenges she may face in which to overcome.''

 

 

Self Reflection

''A young man’s journey, nothing can over take his mind. Bring your mind to your goal and forget the rest, walk forward through the hard times; nothing can stop you if you stay true to yourself.''

 

 

Presence

''Surrounding yourself with the ones who mean the most. Gathering around the camp fire reminiscing; about family, childhood and the enjoyable moments.''

 

 

Aunties

''This piece reminds me of my grandmother, mother and all my aunties. Spending the holidays at their homes, you would always see amazing Aboriginal art work on display, showing how proud they were of their culture. Two aunties having a yarn; remembering the time they’ve had together and all the gossip to be told while the cousins were all playing, running in and out of the house laughing causing mischief.''

 

 

Journey

''A subtle journey, going forward you see how far you’ve come. Many up hill battles, you surround yourself with nature and truely reflect on the presence and future.''

 

 

Harmony in Colours

''Contemporary Aboriginal art is a magnificent fusion of traditional Indigenous elements and modern aesthetics. The vibrant colours I've chosen, such as blue, pink, dark red, orange, and metallics, create a mesmerising visual experience that captures the essence of my artistic expression. Overall, it is a captivating blend of colours, textures, and symbolism. It invites you to appreciate the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous communities while embracing the evolution of artistic expression that is Contemporary.''

 

Tulearah Shield’s art is more than visual… it is a lived expression of culture, purpose and pride. Every canvas is a connection to Country, family and the future she is building for her son.

Explore Tulearah Shield's full collection at Gioia Wall Art and experience the beauty of culture kept strong through story, colour and love.