Artwork Story: Dolphins frequently swim up the Nambucca River during the high tide around Stewart Island and into the Bellwood Channel. As a child I remember excitedly running down to a river wharf and calling out to the dolphins and the playful dolphins would swim closer to us on the wharf.

Artists Profile: Ruth Bryant

I am a Gumbaynggirr woman born in Bellingen New South Wales Australia and grew up in Bellwood Nambucca Heads. Most of my leisure time was spent playing near the Nambucca River or swimming in the sea at South Beach.

 The vibrant colours of coastal beaches and hinterland in Gumbaynggirr Country have enriched my painting and artwork. There were many stories told to us by our ancestors, especially my Mother and Grandfather concerning dolphins, and this has influenced my artwork Playful Yugiirr (Dolphins).

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Copyright information: Bluebells of Bellwood © 2009  Original Artwork by Ruth Bryant 1994