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Using paint as a tool to tell stories and share knowledge.

NOONGAR ABORIGINAL ART

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FOUNDED IN 2021 BY MELISSA SPILLMAN (WOODS).

WANDJOO
(WELCOME)

Maarakool Art was created from a passion of culture, sharing knowledge and telling stories through art.

Maarakool Art is located in Perth, Western Australia, Whadjuk country.

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Lonely Lands

FEATURED COLLECTIONS

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Ashdene

MAARAKOOL ART

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Grove Wesley

BIN STICKERS

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Ashdene

MAINTAINING OUR CULTURE

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Connecting People to Purpose - artwork commission for Bethanie's Reconciliation Action Plan 💚

Maarakool Art created this piece, telling the story of @bethanie_wa. The artwork reflects the support and foundation provided, opportunities for older Australians to contribute and share and connecting people in their communities.

#artwork #aboriginalart #noongarartist #noongarart #canvasart #artcommission #firstnations #indigenous #Reconciliation

Connecting People to Purpose - artwork commission for Bethanie's Reconciliation Action Plan 💚

Maarakool Art created this piece, telling the story of @bethanie_wa. The artwork reflects the support and foundation provided, opportunities for older Australians to contribute and share and connecting people in their communities.

#artwork #aboriginalart #noongarartist #noongarart #canvasart #artcommission #firstnations #indigenous #Reconciliation

Something bigger than just a game ⚽️🖤💛❤️⚽️

First tournament for @dreamtime.spirit Under 8s and Under 12s playing in the @girlsfestivalofcommunitysoccer and Mel couldn't be prouder of how they showed up 🫶🏿

The girls played with such heart and spirit, really showing what it means to play a team sport 🙌🏿

Seeing their faces when they played with such pride in their indigenous jerseys designed by Mel 😍

#firstnations #indigenous #football #soccer #culture #teamwork #spirit #girlssoccer #girlsfootball #girlssport

Something bigger than just a game ⚽️🖤💛❤️⚽️

First tournament for @dreamtime.spirit Under 8s and Under 12s playing in the @girlsfestivalofcommunitysoccer and Mel couldn't be prouder of how they showed up 🫶🏿

The girls played with such heart and spirit, really showing what it means to play a team sport 🙌🏿

Seeing their faces when they played with such pride in their indigenous jerseys designed by Mel 😍

#firstnations #indigenous #football #soccer #culture #teamwork #spirit #girlssoccer #girlsfootball #girlssport

Dreamtime Spirit was created from Mel's passion to promote and grow Girls First Nations Football ⚽️ 🖤 💛 ❤️ ⚽️

The artwork represents girls playing with spirit, passion and pride for each other and their culture, coming together sharing stories about culture, creating friendships and connections and the support from everyone around 🫶🏿

We are so excited to watch this grow 🙌🏿

Dreamtime Spirit was created from Mel's passion to promote and grow Girls First Nations Football ⚽️ 🖤 💛 ❤️ ⚽️

The artwork represents girls playing with spirit, passion and pride for each other and their culture, coming together sharing stories about culture, creating friendships and connections and the support from everyone around 🫶🏿

We are so excited to watch this grow 🙌🏿

Cleaner, Greener Future 🌱

In 2024 Mel worked with The Department of Energy, Mines Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS) to create an artwork for their strategic plan - Towards 2029, which was also wrapped throughout the lobby.

This project was an incredible opportunity for Mel to learn and grow, even pushing her outside of her comfort zone to speak on camera! 📸👏🏾

See the full artwork here: https://lnkd.in/gVVvwA83

#aboriginalartist #aboriginalart #noongarart #noongarartist #indigenous #firstnations #canvasart
#art #artwork #culture #respect

Cleaner, Greener Future 🌱

In 2024 Mel worked with The Department of Energy, Mines Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS) to create an artwork for their strategic plan - Towards 2029, which was also wrapped throughout the lobby.

This project was an incredible opportunity for Mel to learn and grow, even pushing her outside of her comfort zone to speak on camera! 📸👏🏾

See the full artwork here: https://lnkd.in/gVVvwA83

#aboriginalartist #aboriginalart #noongarart #noongarartist #indigenous #firstnations #canvasart
#art #artwork #culture #respect

Sacred Boodja Art Installation 🎨

As part of the commission of Mel's artwork "Sacred Boodja", @westfieldbooragoon created this art installation during NAIDOC 2024.

The actual canvas was even framed within for customers to enter the draw to win! 💜🩵🩷🤎

#naidocweek2024 #naidoc #naidoc2024 #naidocweek #aboriginalart #aboriginalartist #art #canvasart #artinstallation #westfield #booragoon #noongarboodja #whadjuknoongarboodja

Sacred Boodja Art Installation 🎨

As part of the commission of Mel's artwork "Sacred Boodja", @westfieldbooragoon created this art installation during NAIDOC 2024.

The actual canvas was even framed within for customers to enter the draw to win! 💜🩵🩷🤎

#naidocweek2024 #naidoc #naidoc2024 #naidocweek #aboriginalart #aboriginalartist #art #canvasart #artinstallation #westfield #booragoon #noongarboodja #whadjuknoongarboodja

Sacred Boodja 💜

For NAIDOC 2024, Mel created this piece for @westfieldbooragoon, telling the story of the river and waterways and their spiritual connection for First Nations peoples, connections to the dreamtime story of the Wagyl and the journeys travelled across Noongar Boodja, coming together on Sacred Boodja.

#aboriginalart #aboriginalartist #noongarartist #noongarart #canvasart #artcommission #storytelling #culture #indigenous #indigenousart #indigenousbusiness

Sacred Boodja 💜

For NAIDOC 2024, Mel created this piece for @westfieldbooragoon, telling the story of the river and waterways and their spiritual connection for First Nations peoples, connections to the dreamtime story of the Wagyl and the journeys travelled across Noongar Boodja, coming together on Sacred Boodja.

#aboriginalart #aboriginalartist #noongarartist #noongarart #canvasart #artcommission #storytelling #culture #indigenous #indigenousart #indigenousbusiness

Wandjoo 2025 👋🏿

Term 1 starts today and Mel is easing her way into the new year, with some exciting projects we can't wait to share 🙊😀

Wandjoo 2025 👋🏿

Term 1 starts today and Mel is easing her way into the new year, with some exciting projects we can't wait to share 🙊😀

Out of office, Out on country ☀️🌊🌳

Mel has been away on country, spending quality time with family down south.

From Margaret River, to Porongorup, Albany, Mount Barker and Denmark, It's been so important for Mel to take some time out, connecting and sharing stories with family ❤️

Out of office, Out on country ☀️🌊🌳

Mel has been away on country, spending quality time with family down south.

From Margaret River, to Porongorup, Albany, Mount Barker and Denmark, It's been so important for Mel to take some time out, connecting and sharing stories with family ❤️

January 26 for Mel and many others across our lands is not a date to celebrate, but a date to acknowledge, listen, respect and reflect.
It is a date in history that represents ongoing pain for many First Nations people. A date that marks a time of mourning, loss, invasion and survival.
We encourage you to learn about what this day means for many First Nations people and how you can stand in support.
Always was, always will be 🖤💛❤️

https://www.recwa.org.au/hub/course/january-26/

January 26 for Mel and many others across our lands is not a date to celebrate, but a date to acknowledge, listen, respect and reflect.
It is a date in history that represents ongoing pain for many First Nations people. A date that marks a time of mourning, loss, invasion and survival.
We encourage you to learn about what this day means for many First Nations people and how you can stand in support.
Always was, always will be 🖤💛❤️

https://www.recwa.org.au/hub/course/january-26/

Injury Matters RAP Artwork 🎨

In 2024 @injurymatters commissioned Mel to tell the story of their inaugural Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan.

Injury Matters provide support for injury prevention and recovery, empowering all to life life to the full; at home, at work and on the go.

The artwork represents hope and stability, values which ground the team and provide a purpose, successes and milestones providing positive impacts and the knowledge, experience and wisdom shared to help people live a safer, healthier life and move forward on their journey.

We love seeing how the artwork is used and being part of the Reconciliation journey 🖤💛❤️

#aboriginalart #aboriginalartist #aboriginalbusiness #noongarart #noongarartist #noongarculture #Reconciliation #Innovate #artworkcommission #canvasart

Injury Matters RAP Artwork 🎨

In 2024 @injurymatters commissioned Mel to tell the story of their inaugural Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan.

Injury Matters provide support for injury prevention and recovery, empowering all to life life to the full; at home, at work and on the go.

The artwork represents hope and stability, values which ground the team and provide a purpose, successes and milestones providing positive impacts and the knowledge, experience and wisdom shared to help people live a safer, healthier life and move forward on their journey.

We love seeing how the artwork is used and being part of the Reconciliation journey 🖤💛❤️

#aboriginalart #aboriginalartist #aboriginalbusiness #noongarart #noongarartist #noongarculture #Reconciliation #Innovate #artworkcommission #canvasart

For Our Elders 🪃

Last year during NAIDOC Week @qv1perth invited Mel to be their Artist in Residence and paint live in their lobby.
The incredible artwork that now lives in QV1 honours the guiding wisdom and trailblazing contributions of Our Elders. The piece signifies our connection to Boorloo and Noongar Boodja, representing the land on which we thrive and highlights our strong foundation rooted in family, community and culture.

#aboriginalart #aboriginalartist #aboriginalbusiness #noongarart #noongarboodja #canvasart #artwork #culture #connection #naidoc #naidocweek

For Our Elders 🪃

Last year during NAIDOC Week @qv1perth invited Mel to be their Artist in Residence and paint live in their lobby.
The incredible artwork that now lives in QV1 honours the guiding wisdom and trailblazing contributions of Our Elders. The piece signifies our connection to Boorloo and Noongar Boodja, representing the land on which we thrive and highlights our strong foundation rooted in family, community and culture.

#aboriginalart #aboriginalartist #aboriginalbusiness #noongarart #noongarboodja #canvasart #artwork #culture #connection #naidoc #naidocweek

Jarrah and Lemon Scented Gum board, handmade and hand engraved 🍃

Custom orders available!

#servingboard #choppingboard #woodproduct #handmade #handengraved #aboriginalart #aboriginalartist

Jarrah and Lemon Scented Gum board, handmade and hand engraved 🍃

Custom orders available!

#servingboard #choppingboard #woodproduct #handmade #handengraved #aboriginalart #aboriginalartist

Albany Cruise Markets 🛳

Come say Kaya on Tuesday and check out Maarkool Art's canvas art, wood products and giftware!

#aboriginalart #aboriginalartist #aboriginalbusiness #firstnations #markets #albany #greatsouthern #supportsmallbusiness

Albany Cruise Markets 🛳

Come say Kaya on Tuesday and check out Maarkool Art's canvas art, wood products and giftware!

#aboriginalart #aboriginalartist #aboriginalbusiness #firstnations #markets #albany #greatsouthern #supportsmallbusiness

Montario Quarter Public Art

Mel was so proud to show her nephew and niece the public art at Montario Quarter. How deadly do they look when the sun shines through 🌞

Can't wait to reveal Mel's latest public art sculptures! 👀

#publicart #aboriginalart #aboriginalartist #noongarart #noongarculture #healing ##bushmedicine #gathering

Montario Quarter Public Art

Mel was so proud to show her nephew and niece the public art at Montario Quarter. How deadly do they look when the sun shines through 🌞

Can't wait to reveal Mel's latest public art sculptures! 👀

#publicart #aboriginalart #aboriginalartist #noongarart #noongarculture #healing ##bushmedicine #gathering

Noongar Six Seasons 🎨

Last week Mel and Ben added the Noongar Six Seasons to the Yuluma Primary School, we love how vibrant this artwork is and how much it brightens the space!

#noongarsixseasons #aboriginalart #aboriginalartist #noongarart #noongarculture #mural #muralart

Noongar Six Seasons 🎨

Last week Mel and Ben added the Noongar Six Seasons to the Yuluma Primary School, we love how vibrant this artwork is and how much it brightens the space!

#noongarsixseasons #aboriginalart #aboriginalartist #noongarart #noongarculture #mural #muralart

FIRST NATIONS CUP 2024 ⚽️🖤💛❤️

2 wins, 2 losses and made it to the semi-finals for the first time!

So proud of the Jambinu team this year and the memories we have made on this trip. It's great to see so many talented indigenous players at this tournament and I'm looking forward to being involved in many more to come.

Thank you to all the support from the coaching staff and sponsors!

#firstnationsfootball #indigenousfootball #firstnationscup

FIRST NATIONS CUP 2024 ⚽️🖤💛❤️

2 wins, 2 losses and made it to the semi-finals for the first time!

So proud of the Jambinu team this year and the memories we have made on this trip. It's great to see so many talented indigenous players at this tournament and I'm looking forward to being involved in many more to come.

Thank you to all the support from the coaching staff and sponsors!

#firstnationsfootball #indigenousfootball #firstnationscup

IEBF Tradeshow and Gala Dinner 2024

Grateful for the support from John and the team at @iebf_aboriginal_co for another deadly event!

#iebf #iebf2024 #tradeshow #galadinner #aboriginalart #noongarart #indigenousart #art #handmade #aboriginalartist #aboriginalbusiness #indigenousbusiness

IEBF Tradeshow and Gala Dinner 2024

Grateful for the support from John and the team at @iebf_aboriginal_co for another deadly event!

#iebf #iebf2024 #tradeshow #galadinner #aboriginalart #noongarart #indigenousart #art #handmade #aboriginalartist #aboriginalbusiness #indigenousbusiness

Connections across our land 👣

Last year I held a workshop with trainees from the Frank Cardaci Traineeship Program at Centurion to create artwork telling the story of Centurion's connections across our land.

How deadly does this look on their trailer! 😍

#aboriginalart #aboriginalartist #art #artist #noongarart #culture #artworkshop

Connections across our land 👣

Last year I held a workshop with trainees from the Frank Cardaci Traineeship Program at Centurion to create artwork telling the story of Centurion's connections across our land.

How deadly does this look on their trailer! 😍

#aboriginalart #aboriginalartist #art #artist #noongarart #culture #artworkshop

Keep the Fire Burning 🔥
Honouring the enduring strength of our Culture. As we honour this flame, we ignite our pride and unity. We are empowered to stand tall, to listen, learn and engage.

#NAIDOC2024 #keepthefireburning #NAIDOCweek

Keep the Fire Burning 🔥
Honouring the enduring strength of our Culture. As we honour this flame, we ignite our pride and unity. We are empowered to stand tall, to listen, learn and engage.

#NAIDOC2024 #keepthefireburning #NAIDOCweek

MAARAKOOL ART TURNS 3!
Happy birthday to me 🤎🥳👏🏾

Thanks to Jaxon from @montis_graphics for my deadly new car wrap!

#aboriginalart #aboriginalartist #noongarart #art #artworkcommissions #artworklicensing #artworkshops #carwrap

MAARAKOOL ART TURNS 3!
Happy birthday to me 🤎🥳👏🏾

Thanks to Jaxon from @montis_graphics for my deadly new car wrap!

#aboriginalart #aboriginalartist #noongarart #art #artworkcommissions #artworklicensing #artworkshops #carwrap

Reconciliation Week is about celebrating our Indigenous history and culture through sharing knowledge, stories and activities.
To me, this work does not start and finish this week, the work of reconciliation never ends 🖤💛❤️

#reconciliation #reconciliationweek #NRW2024 #nowmorethanever #indigenousculture #indigenoushistory #aboriginalculture #aboriginalhistory #knowledgesharing #storytelling

Reconciliation Week is about celebrating our Indigenous history and culture through sharing knowledge, stories and activities.
To me, this work does not start and finish this week, the work of reconciliation never ends 🖤💛❤️

#reconciliation #reconciliationweek #NRW2024 #nowmorethanever #indigenousculture #indigenoushistory #aboriginalculture #aboriginalhistory #knowledgesharing #storytelling

Maintaining our Culture 🪃
Knowledge sharing and passing down stories are important in maintaining a strong culture for the next generations.
Staying connected and travelling the pathways together, teaches the right ways moving forward.
New collection now available through @ashdene_

#aboriginalart #noongarart #aboriginalartist #culture #connection #storytelling #finechina #teaware #homeware

Maintaining our Culture 🪃
Knowledge sharing and passing down stories are important in maintaining a strong culture for the next generations.
Staying connected and travelling the pathways together, teaches the right ways moving forward.
New collection now available through @ashdene_

#aboriginalart #noongarart #aboriginalartist #culture #connection #storytelling #finechina #teaware #homeware

Festival of Community Soccer 2024 ⚽️🖤💛❤️

Festival of Community Soccer 2024 ⚽️🖤💛❤️

This year I joined the committee for the Girls Festival of Community Soccer, further extending my involvement from creating the artwork in 2023.
I loved being involved with the event on Saturday and seeing how passionate and competitive the girls were while I was busy helping with all the scores!
Thank you to the rest of the committee and the sponsors for putting on a great event, so proud to see so much passion from young girls with this sport ⚽️❤️

#soccer #football #community #event #girlssoccer #aboriginalart ##aboriginalartist #committee #team

This year I joined the committee for the Girls Festival of Community Soccer, further extending my involvement from creating the artwork in 2023.
I loved being involved with the event on Saturday and seeing how passionate and competitive the girls were while I was busy helping with all the scores!
Thank you to the rest of the committee and the sponsors for putting on a great event, so proud to see so much passion from young girls with this sport ⚽️❤️

#soccer #football #community #event #girlssoccer #aboriginalart ##aboriginalartist #committee #team

Growth • Belonging • Connection • Community 🌱

The latest mural I created for Bloom Early Education in Beechboro and the future families of the new centre.

The art represents the stages of a child's early learning journey with Bloom, preparing them to thrive and bloom!

#mural #muralart #aboriginalartist #aboriginalart #storytelling #storytellingthroughart #art #noongarartist #noongarart #culture #publicart

Growth • Belonging • Connection • Community 🌱

The latest mural I created for Bloom Early Education in Beechboro and the future families of the new centre.

The art represents the stages of a child's early learning journey with Bloom, preparing them to thrive and bloom!

#mural #muralart #aboriginalartist #aboriginalart #storytelling #storytellingthroughart #art #noongarartist #noongarart #culture #publicart

KOLBANG KOORLINY
◀️Journey Forward▶️

Last week I returned to Ashdale Primary School for another project with the students, painting this concrete table.

I created the artwork "Kolbang Koorliny", for Ashdale PS to represent learning from the past wrongs and their journey forward in Reconciliation.

#aboriginalartist #aboriginalart #noongarartist #noongarart #journeyforward #reconciliation

KOLBANG KOORLINY
◀️Journey Forward▶️

Last week I returned to Ashdale Primary School for another project with the students, painting this concrete table.

I created the artwork "Kolbang Koorliny", for Ashdale PS to represent learning from the past wrongs and their journey forward in Reconciliation.

#aboriginalartist #aboriginalart #noongarartist #noongarart #journeyforward #reconciliation

HEALING - Gathering of Bush Medicine 🌿

I created this art for the shelters and grounds of Montario Quarter to represent the area, which was used by Noongar peoples to gather bush medicine for healing.

Thank you to @artifyconsulting for the opportunity to learn and challenge myself with my first public art project.

#publicart #healing #bushmedicine #gathering #noongarculture #aboriginalart #aboriginalartist #noongarartist #firstnationsart

HEALING - Gathering of Bush Medicine 🌿

I created this art for the shelters and grounds of Montario Quarter to represent the area, which was used by Noongar peoples to gather bush medicine for healing.

Thank you to @artifyconsulting for the opportunity to learn and challenge myself with my first public art project.

#publicart #healing #bushmedicine #gathering #noongarculture #aboriginalart #aboriginalartist #noongarartist #firstnationsart

HEALING - Gathering of Bush Medicine 🌿

#publicart #healing #bushmedicine #gathering #aboriginalart #aboriginalartist #noongarartist #firstnationsart

HEALING - Gathering of Bush Medicine 🌿

#publicart #healing #bushmedicine #gathering #aboriginalart #aboriginalartist #noongarartist #firstnationsart

FIRST NATIONS INDIGENOUS FOOTBALL CUP 2023 ⚽️🖤💛❤️

1 win, 1 draw, 2 losses and a very sore Mel 😆

I was very grateful to captain the @footballwest Jambinu team at the tournament another year. There's a lot of talented young indigenous players at this tournament and I've learnt alot that I'm looking forward to take back to my club!

Extremely thankful for all the help and support from the coaching staff and sponsors, and so happy to see my Aunty and Niece ❤️

#firstnationsfootball #indigenousfootball #jambinu #fnifcup

FIRST NATIONS INDIGENOUS FOOTBALL CUP 2023 ⚽️🖤💛❤️

1 win, 1 draw, 2 losses and a very sore Mel 😆

I was very grateful to captain the @footballwest Jambinu team at the tournament another year. There's a lot of talented young indigenous players at this tournament and I've learnt alot that I'm looking forward to take back to my club!

Extremely thankful for all the help and support from the coaching staff and sponsors, and so happy to see my Aunty and Niece ❤️

#firstnationsfootball #indigenousfootball #jambinu #fnifcup

Ground mural I created which is featured in Koorda for the upcoming game #brokenroads, where characters are guided by their moral compass through a post-apocalyptic Australia 🎮

#gameart #aboriginalart #mural #muralart #dropbearbytes #koorda #westernaustralia #moralcompass

Ground mural I created which is featured in Koorda for the upcoming game #brokenroads, where characters are guided by their moral compass through a post-apocalyptic Australia 🎮

#gameart #aboriginalart #mural #muralart #dropbearbytes #koorda #westernaustralia #moralcompass

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