Debra Beale

My name is Debra Beale. I am a Sydney-based Designer Maker. My main focus is Art, Textiles and Fashion. My artwork tells a narrative of Aboriginal cultural practices, focusing on cultural heritage, family and community. It is a combination of Women’s Business, with a process of acknowledging the past and moving forward to the future.

My connection to Gadigal & Dharug Country, is a deep spiritual connection through my Aboriginal cultural birthrights. My linage connects me to fresh water and sea waters through my mother’s bloodlines from the Boonwurrung, Palawa and YortaYorta Nations. My connection also flows through the Wonnarua and Gamilaraay Nations through my father’s linage.

I currently live in the lower Blue Mountains, Penrith Region. My studio located in Warrimoo, formally known as ‘Karabah’ (Where Eagles Land), Australian Blue Mountains, Darug Nation. It is a place I can connect to my inner deep self. The eagle is my totem from both my tribes (Wonnarua and Boonwurung Nations). I spent my childhood and adult days on Wiradjuri and Gadigal Nation.

I am passionate about bringing my Aboriginal art and culture to life using contemporary media and traditional themes through mediums such as fashion, sterling silver jewellery, Australian bush Jewellery, paintings, sculpture, public sculpture installations, photography, ceramics, pottery, commercial textiles, soft furnishings, eco dyeing, eco printing, murals, mixed media artworks and digital art. My artwork draws attention to the local environment, which depicts a narrative of song, dance, art and rituals.

This is evident with earthly colours which are embedded into all my work. My process of gathering natural materials from the earth to use as my art tools has always been a form of meditation for me. This process allows me to connect with the land and my inner deep self.