Contemporary artist Chern'ee Sutton has joined forces with Australia Post for a new collaboration, with her Kalkadoon Dreaming artwork to feature on the cover of the Annual Collection of Australian Stamps book.

"This was a special project as it's the first time the cover has been specifically created by an artist, rather than using one of the stamps from the collection. I was invited to create a design that complements the collection of stamps I had previously designed for Australia Post, making this release even more special to me," Sutton told Style Up.

"The annual collection is one of Australia Post's most sought-after and collectible releases, showcasing every stamp issued throughout the year. Over the years, I've had the opportunity to collaborate with Australia Post on several projects including designing the full stamp set, postcards, wrapping paper, and working alongside the Royal Australian Mint and Perth Mint to release limited-edition coins representing Indigenous Military Service and another coin to complement my stamp series.

"But I'd have to say that this cover design has been one of my biggest highlights from collaborating with Australia Post so far."

Sutton said the design was inspired by Kalkadoon Country in the Mount Isa region of Queensland - where she grew up.

"The design on the front of the stamp book is inspired by Kalkadoon Country in the Mount Isa region of Queensland. The flowing lines throughout the artwork represent travelling across our land, connecting people, stories, and Country. The circles show gatherings of community, something that is central to our culture. Within the design, you'll also find a coolamon holding bush foods and medicines, which are vital for our people, along with symbols of storytelling, animals, and the stars, all important parts of how we pass knowledge down through generations," she said.

"The life-giving sun shines over the waterholes, rivers, and rugged mountains of Kalkadoon Country, nurturing all that lives there. You'll also notice the emu throughout the design, which is especially meaningful to me as it is my totem. This artwork allowed me to honour not only my people and Country but also the stories and knowledge that continue to guide us today."

Having been painting as a form of artistic expression since she was a teenager, Sutton has progressively grown her career over the years, receiving several accolades and awards.

"I started painting professionally at 13 and since then I've exhibited my artworks all around Australia, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore and London and have sold my paintings to Collectors all around the world," she said.

"I've received various awards such as a QLD Pride of Australia Award, National NAIDOC Youth of the Year, a Queensland Young Achiever Award and many other local awards. I've been fortunate to work with many incredible organisations, including Australia Post, Amazon Australia, Queensland Police, ACCOR Hotels, Reconciliation Australia, and Tourism & Events Queensland. I've also collaborated with sporting organisations like the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, Commonwealth Games, NRL, Australian Cricket, and Tennis Australia.

"My work has been commissioned by local, state, and federal government departments, including the Australian Defence Force, Department of Veterans' Affairs, Queensland State Library, and the Royal Australian Mint. These partnerships have allowed me to share stories of culture, connection, and community through my art."

Sutton believes the arts sector is slowly yet surely, seeing more businesses and brands join forces with Indigenous creatives.

"I think we are definitely seeing more businesses and brands starting to collaborate with First Nations artists, which is really positive and shows a growing appreciation for our stories, culture, and creativity. Opportunities like this are so important, not only for sharing culture but also for supporting Indigenous artists to continue their practice," she said.

"That being said, I do believe there is still plenty of room for improvement. There are so many incredible First Nations artists across Australia, each with unique styles and stories to share, and I'd love to see even more organisations following in Australia Posts footsteps and actively working with Indigenous creatives in a meaningful and respectful way."

When looking ahead the talented artist says she has a handful of new and exciting projects coming up in the near future.

"I have some really exciting projects coming up! One of them is actually launching in the next couple of weeks, but I have to keep the details under wraps for now," she said.

"I've also been selected as the Australian artist to design the King's Baton for the upcoming Commonwealth Games, which is such an honour. On top of that, I'm currently working on several major commissions, so it's a busy but very exciting time."

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