Sharing Stories, Skills and Culture
Sometimes a community connection starts with something as simple as a conversation.
For Indigenous artist and founder of Nhuralama, Anne Leon, it began when Graham, a member of Ipswich Men’s Shed, walked into her shop as a customer.
Through their conversations, Graham learned more about Anne’s Indigenous artwork, the stories behind it and some of the ideas she wanted to develop. Knowing the skills and experience available through the Men’s Shed, he introduced Anne to fellow Shedder Arthur, who has expertise in intricate laser cutting and engraving.
That introduction opened the door to an ongoing creative collaboration.
Anne is now a regular visitor to Ipswich Men’s Shed in Bundamba. She often arrives with an idea, a piece of artwork, or a design, and before long a few Shedders gather around it, talking through different ways they might make it work.
“It’s never just about the finished item,” Anne said. “There is always plenty of yarning along the way.”
Anne brings her original artwork, cultural stories and creative vision to the process, while Arthur, Graham and other Shedders bring a wealth of practical skills, technical knowledge and problem-solving experience.
For Anne, that exchange of ideas is one of the things she values most about the relationship.
“I can walk into the Shed with an idea and before long there are a few of us yarning about it, looking at different ways to make it work.”
More Than a Practical Partnership
What started as a connection around laser cutting has grown well beyond the practical work.
Anne has developed friendships with the men at the Shed and gained a group of supporters and allies for Nhuralama and her Indigenous artwork, with the blokes enjoying an exchange of knowledge.
Continuing the Connection
The collaboration continues to evolve, with some Nhuralama art products set to be available at Ipswich Men’s Shed’s upcoming Sale Day.
For Anne, however, the relationship is about much more than the opportunity to develop and sell products.
“What started with Graham walking into my shop as a customer has grown into an ongoing relationship involving creativity, friendship, allyship, cultural sharing and community connection,” she said.
Stories like this highlight the power of Men's Sheds to bring people together. What began with a customer walking into a shop has become an ongoing connection built on creativity, friendship, cultural sharing and mutual respect.
It's a reminder that when people take the time to talk, share their skills, and work together, great things can happen.
Anne Leon is a proud Wakkaya/Wombaya/Waanyi Woman.
Nhuralama’s vision is to continue growing as a strong, sustainable First Nations business that creates meaningful connections through art, culture, storytelling, education and community. We aim to connect people with First Nations knowledge, creativity and perspectives in ways that foster understanding, respect and belonging.
Through these connections, Nhuralama seeks to support First Nations artists and communities, create opportunities for cultural knowledge to be shared respectfully, strengthen relationships and contribute to positive social, cultural and economic outcomes. Our goal is to continue growing a business grounded in culture that creates lasting impact and leaves a positive legacy for future generations.
Learn about Anne and explore her art at nhuralama.com.au
email: shop@nhuralama.au
