Why Bancroft feels right at home with nature

When an exhibition draws near, Bancroft paints in 17-hour shifts, fitting in domestic chores around her work. "I take a quick break to put the washing on, then back to it," she says.

Bancroft's love of art emerged at a young age. "As a child I used to enter colouring-in competitions to win money as our family was quite poor," she says. It was then that Bancroft realised she could turn her talent into a career.

A descendant of the Bundjalung people, Bancroft spent her childhood in Tenterfield, a small country town in NSW. When she was 17-years-old, she left to study for a diploma in visual arts at the Canberra School of Arts.

Bancroft returned to Sydney after graduating and had a brief flirtation with fashion design - painting fabric which a friend would turn into clothing. However, the fashion industry did not give her a warm welcome. "I took some designs to David Jones to be told: 'we're not doing primitive this year'," she recalls.

After hearing: 'Does she think she is the Aboriginal Jenny Kee?' one too many times, Bancroft decided the fashion industry was not for her.

Since founding her company, Designer Aboriginals, in 1985, Bancroft has exhibited her work throughout Australia and overseas. She has also illustrated a number of children's books.

Her art explores the environment and the earth – her biggest inspirations. "I am in love with the process... and nature and the world around us," she says. "Nature provides such beautiful things."

Bancroft is also passionate about advancing the rights of indigenous people in Australia. This has let to her appointment to national committees such as the National Gallery of Australia and the National Indigenous Arts Advocacy Association.

Bancroft's endless inspiration from nature and her determination to showcase Aboriginal culture, has won her domestic and international acclaim for something she does with passion and love.

Photo: Bronwyn Bancroft surrounded by her work.

Source: University of Technology Precinct South Sydney Edition Issue 4/2007 page 18.

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