This NAIDOC Week, members of DesignInc Sydney and Nguluway DesignInc came together for a unique cultural experience led by highly respected Ngangiwumerri/Ngangikurrungurr artist Pilawuk White and her son, Nguluway DesignInc Associate and artist, Niwili White Forrest.
Pilawuk White is a freshwater person from the Ngangiwumerri and Ngangikurrungurr language groups. Her Country is Malfiyin, along the Moyle River in the Northern Territory near Daly River. A respected artist, educator, cultural presenter and founder of Black Bream Consultancy, Pilawuk has dedicated her career to sharing Aboriginal culture, knowledge and storytelling through art, dance, music and learning experiences with communities, schools and organisations across Australia and internationally.
In recognition of the 2026 NAIDOC Week theme, 50 Years of Deadly, Pilawuk and Niwili shared the significance of “coming together as one,” creating a space where participants could connect through cultural exchange, sharing stories, and creative expression.
Held at the Coal Loader in Waverton—a site with particular significance to our team as the location of a project we are currently working on—the workshop brought together 16 participants to learn the traditional art of silkscreen painting through storytelling, creativity and knowledge-sharing.
More than an art workshop, the experience offered an opportunity to slow down, connect with one another and celebrate the spirit of NAIDOC Week through personal reflection and creative expression.
Pilawuk encouraged each participant to begin by thinking about something meaningful in their lives—a person, place, memory or connection that held significance, and could be portrayed visually as a narrative.
As we developed our designs, it became clear that each artwork would represent something deeply personal. Family, Country, travel, relationships, nature and important life experiences all began to emerge through individual sketches and ideas, as we reflected on the types of imagery that might convey our own journeys.
Once our concepts were formed, we carefully transferred our designs onto silk using chalk before taking them outside to apply melted wax by hand. After the wax had dried, we returned indoors to add layers of vibrant colour using various dyes, bringing each story to life.
The creative process required patience and trust in the unfolding artwork. With guidance from both Pilawuk and Niwili, participants embraced the experience, learning new techniques while gaining a deeper appreciation for the role of storytelling in artistic practice.
Throughout the workshop, Pilawuk generously shared her knowledge, creative processes and cultural perspectives, creating a welcoming environment where everyone felt encouraged to participate.
Her warmth, humour and expertise made the experience both engaging and memorable. Supported by Niwili, who worked closely with participants throughout the day, the workshop became a powerful example of knowledge-sharing across generations.
Together, mother and son helped guide each participant through this unique artistic process, offering advice, encouragement and creative insight while allowing everyone the freedom to interpret their own stories.
Their combined talent and generosity created an experience that resonated well beyond the finished artwork.
One of the most enjoyable parts of the day was seeing everyone’s designs evolve and hearing the stories behind them along the way. As we waxed and painted, people naturally wandered around the room—admiring each other’s creations, sharing ideas and talking about the people, places and experiences that had inspired their artworks.
These conversations added another layer to the workshop, transforming it into a shared experience of storytelling and connection. By the end of the day, every piece told a unique story, reflecting the individual journeys, memories and relationships of the people who created them.
The finished silk paintings were vivid, distinct and deeply personal, reflecting not only the artistic process but also the conversations, learning, and ties strengthened throughout the day.
As part of our NAIDOC Week celebrations, the workshop provided a meaningful opportunity to connect through creativity, learn from respected Aboriginal artists and spend time together as colleagues in a setting that encouraged reflection, storytelling and shared understanding.
We extend our sincere thanks to Pilawuk White and Niwili White Forrest for their generosity, guidance and efforts in making the day such a memorable experience.
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