As one of Australia's most popular contemporary Indigenous artists and creatives, Otis Hope Carey is no stranger to the spotlight.

The proud Gumbaynggirr/Bundjalung artist is known for his work which explores connection, movement, and memory through a deep spiritual relationship with Country.

Carey's art has been exhibited nationally and internationally, and he continues to create powerful works that fuse contemporary expression with cultural continuity.

This month Style Up, a National Indigenous Times publication spoke with the multi-talented creative about his current and upcoming artistic projects.

"I've just started brainstorming for my next solo exhibition, which will open at the end of next year. I want to go all out- create something unexpected, deeply connected, and full of heart," Carey told Style Up.

Carey also said he is working on public art projects which are due for completion next year.

"My goal is to build a space where people can come together, feel safe, and connect through art and story," he said.

"Most of my inspiration comes from my spiritual connection to Country. I use traditional symbols - but in a way that feels as if I become the symbols themselves, telling stories through energy and connection.

"Our culture is kinetic; it moves, flows, and lives in everything. I try to express that movement in a contemporary way that honours the old stories without changing their meaning.

"Hands down, my favourite project this year has been my collaboration with Christian Louboutin. I'm still pinching myself.

"It was such an incredible opportunity to create something beautiful, strong, and timeless with a brand that's so globally respected."

Aside from creating and selling art, Carey is also the founder of his family owned design house, Ngaarlu, which is set to launch this month. He and his wife created Ngaarlu with both culture and craft rooted at its core.

"The past few months have been mayhem, in the best way. My wife and I are about to launch our own design house, Ngaarlu, in early November. Ngaarlu means "water" in Gumbaynggirr language," Carey told Style Up.

"Our first project is a collection of seven blankets, made from 95 per cent cotton, 75 per cent is recycled, ethically sourced and loomed, each featuring one of my artworks.

"Every blanket has its own story and design, and we're only making 100 of each, complete with authentication certificates and numbering.

"I'm really excited about this project because it's about more than design - it's about purpose. A percentage of each sale will go to Kulai Preschool, an Indigenous not-for-profit early childhood centre where culture is central to learning.

"We'll also be donating to The Returning Indigenous Corporation, a women-led organisation doing incredible work within the Bundjalung community and beyond."

Whilst loving art and the process of creating, Carey values time with his family above all, saying if he is not painting he is typically bonding with his family and children.

"If I'm not painting, I'm with my family, though to be honest, even when I am painting, I'm usually with them. I've got a big shed on our property where I work, and the kids love painting beside me," he said.

"These days, I only paint when I feel called to; it flows stronger that way."

When it comes down to the advice and words of guidance he would give emerging First Nations artists of today, Carey said there is no right or wrong way to paint, create and ultimately express oneself.

"The biggest lesson I've learned is that there's no right or wrong way to paint. That's the beauty of art - it's a free-flowing expression of whatever needs to come through you," he said.

"Once you let go of the idea of doing it "right," you find your voice, and that's where the real magic begins."

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