Frances Belle Parker
‘I am a proud Yaegl woman, mother and artist’.
Biirrinba is the Yaygirr name for the mighty Clarence River. It is this river that is the life giving vein for the Yaegl people. And it is this river which inspires much of my artwork.
I am deeply inspired by my Mother’s land (Yaegl land) and the Island in the Clarence River that my Mother grew up on, Ulgundahi Island.
The stories which are contained within this landscape, have shaped me as a person, as an artist and most recently as a mother. This is my history, my story and it will Always… be my responsibility to share this knowledge with my family and my children.
Frances came to prominence winning the Blake Prize in 2000 making her the youngest ever winner and the first Indigenous recipient in the prize’s history.
From 2005 – 2011 Frances was a finalist in the NSW Indigenous Parliament Art Award. Frances was also a finalist in the prestigious 2006 Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award.
Frances has completed a BFA through UNSW, BVA (Honours) through Southern Cross University and a Masters of Indigenous Studies (Wellbeing) through Southern Cross University.
Frances is deeply inspired by her Mother’s land (Yaegl land) and the Island in the Clarence River that her Mother grew up on, Ulgundahi Island. This Island inspires much of Frances’ artwork.