Wiradjuri artist Karen Lee Riley-Schuurman has been working with Bluethumb Gallery to bring her art and the stories it tells to the world.

"I am a Wiradjuri artist whose practice explores concepts of memory in the landscape, focusing on the physical and non-physical remnants left within an environment and the stories they hold," she told National Indigenous Times.

"Through exhibitions, commissions, public art, and community projects, I use storytelling to create connection, encourage conversation, and share Aboriginal perspectives.

"My work is grounded in culture, identity, community, and a deep connection to place."

Drawing inspiration from Country, Schuurman's work centres around the physical and non-physical remnants left within a landscape and the stories they continue to hold.

"I specialise in contemporary Aboriginal painting that explores memory, place, and connection," she said.

"My work focuses on the physical and non-physical remnants left within a landscape and the stories they continue to hold.

"My creative process begins with observation and reflection. I draw inspiration from Country, personal experiences, and cultural knowledge, using symbolism, pattern, and layered mark-making to build visual narratives that encourage connection, conversation, and a deeper understanding of place."

"Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work across exhibitions, public art commissions, community projects, and government campaigns that have allowed me to share culture and storytelling through art," Schuurman said.

"Being invited to judge major art prizes has also been a significant milestone and an opportunity to support and celebrate the work of other artists.

"Most importantly, the highlights for me are the connections that are created when people engage with my work and the stories it carries."

The Bluethumb Gallery has played a significant role in Schuurman's career.

"Bluethumb has been an important part of my career since inviting me to join their platform in 2017,' she said.

"The relationship has provided incredible opportunities, including exhibitions, media promotion, hosting art events, and judging the Bluethumb Art Prize.

"Beyond those opportunities, Bluethumb has been a genuine supporter of my artistic journey, regularly celebrating my achievements and encouraging my growth.

"It has been a mutually supportive partnership and one that has helped springboard my career to where it is today."

Looking ahead, Schuurman is eager to continue her work as an artist, focusing on sharing stories that truly matter.

"What I'd really like is to continue growing as an artist and sharing stories that matter," she said.

"My work is centred on people, place, and the importance of cultural continuity, and I hope to keep exploring those themes through whatever opportunities come my way. Whether that's through exhibitions, public art, community projects, or my PhD, I'll continue using my work to create connections and share stories that contribute to a deeper understanding of our relationship with the land and each other.

"At the moment, I'm working on mural designs for a local youth service while continuing to develop my art practice. I'm also preparing to begin my PhD, which is something I have been working towards for several years.

"It's an exciting next chapter that will allow me to further explore the ideas of memory, landscape, and storytelling that sit at the heart of my work."

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