Growing up on Country reflects the artist’s life growing up as a young child in Yarrabah, connected to Country and the ocean. It depicts the lifestyle shared with her parents and siblings. The stories portrayed in the artworks draw on memories of life by the beach, living in a tin humpy, and embracing a relaxed way of life that has become a significant source of inspiration for many of the artist’s works. The people, places, and experiences that surrounded them have become an integral part of the stories expressed through her art.

“Yarrabah is the home of the Gungganji people who are my people. Living and growing in Yarrabah and on the beach gave me the opportunity to live and learn about the ocean and the rainforest. Learning how to fish and gather seafood. My artworks over the years – especially now – tell my story, and gives insight into how I grew up and the values that I live by. Bright colours in my works represent the happiness experienced as a child who loved fishing, the sun, sand and the sea.” – Elverina Johnson

Living and growing in Yarrabah and on the beach gave me the opportunity to live and learn about the ocean and the rainforest."
Elverina Johnson