A Ceduna artist is taking her passion to the next level and infusing life experiences into her work.
By Jaylene Ware’s own admission she does not have much free time, but when she does there is usually a paintbrush in her hand.
Between her work with Centacare Catholic Country SA, the Department for Child Protection, Nature Foundation and as a facilitator in Aboriginal mental health first aid, the 38-year-old has a busy schedule.
But that does not stop her from pursuing a lifelong passion.
“In all spare moments I am doing my art,” she said.
Jaylene has dabbled with art “pretty much for most of my life” and for a long time was creating pieces for family and friends.
It was not until late 2022 and prophetic words from her sister that she turned a passion into another piece on her rich life tapestry.
And there was a family link to the first larger canvas piece Jaylene sold, titled ‘Three sisters’.
“I started the business in early February 2023 and from then on it has been crazy.”
Born in Whyalla but living in Ceduna for most of her life, Jaylene’s roots are widespread – her mother is a Wirangu and Kokatha woman and her father was an Antakirinja Matu-Yankunytjatjara and Kokatha man.
For Jaylene – who described her work as both “very unique and neat” and “Aboriginal art with a contemporary twist” – every story she puts on canvas is part of who she is.
“When I paint I always try to think about my mother being a coastal woman and my father being [from] bush and desert mob,” she said.
“I try to get that into my art, but also talk through my art about lessons learnt as a child, with knowledge sharing, resilience and values.
“Eventually I hope to bring to light more of the taboo subjects, like mental health. I am incredibly passionate about my mob having an understanding of what mental health is.”
As she delves deeper into her art, Jaylene’s projects are becoming bigger and bolder, including her first ever mural at the Ceduna Post Office.
“I am absolutely proud to be doing this work,” she said.
“The sky’s the limit – having a business out of it is just a bonus.
“I do it because it is therapy, it is healing and it gives me comfort. I am at peace when I paint.”
