Artist Profile
My name is Chern'ee Sutton and I am a contemporary Indigenous artist from the Kalkadoon people from the Mt.Isa area in Queensland Australia.
My great, great, great grandmother is listed as an apical ancestor for the Kalkadoon people and my great uncle is the chairman of Kalkadoon Communities
I started painting in June 2010 when encouraged by my school to enter the Yoorellgoo indigenous art competition on 25/6/2010, I have always enjoyed drawing and art but had not painted before. I won first place in the open category for my painting and have been painting madly ever since.
On the 16/12/2010 after adding my artwork to the C.Q.I.D. Central Queensland Indigenous Development as a donation for the CEO a permanent exhibition was hung in the C.Q.I.D Bundaberg offices.
Artwork featured in 2010/2011 Kepnock High School magazine.
Artwork featured in C.Q.I.D. Central Queensland Indigenous Development strategic plan book for 2011 to 2013.
In January 2011 I auctioned off a painting called “Gindjurra”and poem through the local newspaper for the flood victims of Bundaberg and raised $1,950.00 which was donated to the junior cricket and netball clubs to help the kids get back out and play again.
http://www.news-mail.com.au/story/2011/01/26/auction-of-painting-in-full-swing-by-day-three/
http://www.news-mail.com.au/story/2011/02/08/painting-auction-for-charity-comes-to-a-close/
http://www.coffscoastadvocate.com.au/story/2011/01/22/bundaberg-teen-paints-for-flood-victims/
In March 2011 I painted and sold a painting called “homeless” for community solutions youth support” which will be rotated and displayed throughout schools in the Bundaberg District to bring wider attention to “youth homelessness matters day”.
In April 2011 I designed a banner for “Close the Gap Day” for Kepnock High School which is now hung in their hall.
In early May 2011 I designed the new logo for I.L.E.E.P. which is Indigenous Learning Education Engagement Place which will be used on their shirt emblems at Kepnock High School.
In May 2011 I donated one of my paintings called “listen” as the major prize to the Bundaberg mayors chaplaincy support raffle which highlighted the need for all young Australians to be able to be listened to by the school chaplains without fear of judgement or criticism. This fundraiser through donations and the raffle raised a much-needed $14,000.00.
http://www.news-mail.com.au/story/2011/04/18/artist-picture-of-generousity-bundaberg/
On the 25/5/2011 I donated a painting named “light the way to a brighter future”to a local cancer fundraiser and raffle.
On the 27/5/2011 my painting “Waru-Waru” was exhibited in Childers Art Space in the emerging artists space in an exhibition called “Showtime”, my painting was sold at this exhibition.
On 20/6/2011 painting called “The Gift of Angels” donated to the Pyjama Foundation for a fundraiser in September.
http://lornabluestudio.blogspot.com.au/2011/07/pyjama-foundation-fundraiser.html
On 4/7/2011 Artwork supplied and featured on front cover of NAIDOC week 2011 Rockhampton celebration which was in the “Bulletin” newspaper. My artwork was featured on every page of the feature as well as a full page story about myself.
On 9/7/2011 Awarded “Youth of the year” for Wide Bay Naidoc Week 2011.
20/7/2011 Commissioned by Department of Communities Rockhampton to design their Recognition night award certificates for 2011. Confirmation of a private exhibition at Capricorn Resort Yeppoon, QLD on the presentation night for the awards on 1st September 2011. Also attending as a guest to present the painting that was commissioned for the award certificates.
22/7/2011 Designed the Indigenous jersey for the Indigenous football team at Kepnock State High School
25/7/2011 Paintings listed on Rob Messenger MP Member for Burnetts website, also commissioned by Rob Messenger to paint a tie for him to wear at Parliament house for Naidoc Week 2012.
http://www.robmessenger.com/blog?cat=32
1/8/2011 Paintings displayed and exhibited for sale at Art N Such in Bundaberg.
12/8/2011 A Painted guitar and a painting donated to the Bundaberg Womens Indigenous Football Team for a fundraiser.
14/8/2011 Had a story about my achievements published on the internet. “Deadly Stories” is a Government run website which celebrates indigenous Australians achievements. www.communities.qld.gov.au/reconciliation/deadly-stories
16/8/2011 Invited and confirmed to be the opening speaker at an exhibition called “Emerge” which runs for 6 weeks from the 11/10/2011 showing artworks from Bundaberg and surrounding regions school students from year 12 to year 8 held at Bundaberg Regional Art gallery.
20/8/2011 Paintings displayed and exhibited for sale at “Wooroobar” Elders Shop in Bundaberg.
29/8/2011 ABC Radio Breakfast News Broadcast about my paintings and a poem read by me called “Gindjurra” the frog which was written for a donated painting for the 2011 flood victims of Bundaberg.
http://open.abc.net.au/posts/helping-hands-90uq7vu
12/9/2011 Paintings exhibited at “Dirty Linen Art Gallery” opening in Bundaberg, Qld.
13/9/2011 Official acceptance to the University of Queensland Young Achievers Program for 2012 and 2013.
15/9/2011 Painting named “Iran-Iran” donated to Lomani AU Childrens Home, Fiji for a fundraiser.
9/10/2011 Donated a painted banner for “Umoja” which is an orphanage in Kenya, Africa.
13/10/2011 Paintings displayed at Artspoken: Regional Arts and Culture Conference 2011 in Bundaberg.
27/10/2011 Paintings displayed at Kepnock State High School Awards night. I received a Gold Cultural award, a Silver academic award, a Service award, the junior award for excellence in the arts and the junior award for citizenship.
3/11/2011 Paintings displayed at University of Queensland Young Achievers Program Welcome Event.
8/11/2011 Paintings displayed at Bundaberg combined state schools year 12 Indigenous celebration night.
9/11/2011 Paintings displayed at Kepnock State High School for arts night.
15/11/2011 Exhibition of 17 paintings displayed for sale at Brisbane parliament House in the Annexe Foyer until 19/11/2011.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-12-02/young-artist-takes-master-stroke-for-reconciliation/3710496
16/11/2011 Painting called “Ajarku Maru” – “All One Country” donated to Mr Speaker and Parliament that is now permanentely hanging in Brisbane Parliament House for all Australians to enjoy.
16/11/2011 Live radio broadcast and interview about Parliament House Exhibition by 4BS Brisbane.
21/11/2011 Interview by Emily Prain published in “The News-Mail” in Bundaberg newspaper about exhibition at Parliament House. Also published in Sunshine Coast, Gladstone, Rockhampton, Mackay, Central Qld, Byron Bay, Tweed Heads and Lismore newspapers.
http://www.news-mail.com.au/story/2011/11/22/pollies-wowed-by-teen-prodigy/
21/11/2011 Paintings on display for sale at Gidji Aboriginal Art shop in Bundaberg.
3/12/2011 Story published in the News-Mail paper in Bundaberg about painting sales since returning from exhibition at Parliament House.
21/12/2011 Painting called “Kali” donated to Bundaberg Lions Club to raise funds for medical research.
6/1/2012 Story about myself published in the News mail newspaper in Bundaberg about how life has changed for me since donating my first painting to the flood victims of Bundaberg one year ago.
12/1/2012 First international sale, 2 paintings sold to a gentleman in Sweden.
20/2/2012 Wide Bay ABC radio broadcast about Clifford Possums paintings hanging opposite mine in Gidji Art Shop Bundaberg, Qld.
http://www.abc.net.au/local/audio/2012/02/15/3431719.htm?site=widebay
28/2/2012 Painting called "Watanana" donated as the Major prize to the Bundaberg mayors chaplaincy support raffle which highlights the need for all young Australians to be able to be listened to by the school chaplains without fear of judgement or criticism.
6/3/2012 Invited and confirmed to walk Kalkadoon country with well known author, archaeologist and Elder Uncle Ken Isaacson where I will be shown many sacred rock art sites and sites of historical significance to the Kalkadoon people. Many stories will also be heard on this very spiritual journey which will last for 10 days.
14/3/2012 Official presentation of 2 of my paintings called “Utingat Dreamimg” to Kalkadoon Communities P.T.Y. L.T.D. Paintings were accepted by Kalkadoon enterprises general manager Zane Hughes and Kalkadoon Elder uncle Doug Bruce. These paintings will be hung in the Kalkadoon Communities office and will be used for the Kalkadoon enterprises corporate logo and letterheads.
14/3/2012 Story about the paintings presented to Kalkadoon Communities published in “The North West Star” newspaper Mt.Isa, Qld.
15/3/2012 Radio broadcast and interview about the paintings donated to Kalkadoon Communities on ABC North West Qld radio.
17/3/2012 Official acceptance to YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament for 2012. I have been appointed to represent a Qld Indigenous electorate and have been placed on the Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs Committee. As a youth parliamentarian I will be representing the needs of and speaking for the youth of my electorate. http://www.ymcaqyp.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=221:meet-the-2012-ymca-queensland-youth-parliament-members&catid=44:latest-news&Itemid=81
18/3/2012 Confirmation from Queensland Parliament House for a second painting of mine to be hung there in the “Undumbi” room.
23/3/2012 Follow up story about the paintings presented to Kalkadoon Communities published in “The North West Star” newspaper Mt.Isa, Qld.
23/3/2012 Paintings exhibited at “The Close The Gap Health Day” in Bundaberg which included the new painting to be hung in Queensland Parliament House.
23/3/2012 Wide bay ABC radio interview about the new painting for Queensland’s Parliament House broadcast on ABC 100.1 throughout the day.
23/3/2012 My dream published on ABC open North Queensland’s Dreambox.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/abcopennorthwestqld/6981355913/
24/3/2012 Presentation cards donated to Mount Isa centre for remote and rural health and James Cook University for the 2012 "Are You Remotely Interested" Conference. The cards featuring some of my paintings are being presented to the delegates and speakers at the event.
27/3/2012 Story about my second painting going to Queensland Parliament House published in the Bundaberg Newsmail.
http://www.news-mail.com.au/story/2012/03/27/gig-a-dream-come-true-for-teen-artist-painting/
30/3/2012 Paintings acquired by MMG mines and displayed at the official opening of the Dugald River mine near Mt.Isa, Qld. The paintings are now permanately on display at the new mine.
30/3/2012 Story published in The Bundaberg News-mail about the painting I donated to the Mayoral Chaplaincy Support Raffle for 2012. Also broadcast on channel seven news in Bundaberg.
5/4/2012 Contract signed with WW Souvenirs an international manufacturer and seller where some of my artwork is being reproduced on plates, cups, bags, jewellery ect. A percentage of my profits from this deal are being donated to Kalkadoon Communities P.T.Y. L.T.D.
10/4/2012 Artwork donated to Gidji Art Shop for them to use on their new brochures to promote their shop and the artists works for sale in Bundaberg.
14/4/2012 Attended the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament forum where the bill I am writing was decided as well as taking the “Oath Of Office” at Queensland Parliament House.
16/4/2012 Confirmation by Queensland State Library in Brisbane to exhibit some of my paintings there for the 2012 Reconciliation day. Also a slide show of my past artworks is being displayed as well as being an artist in residence painting on the day.
18/4/2012 Guest motivational speaker at BRIDGES Bundaberg (recovery for mental health, drugs and alcohol for indigenous youth ages 12 to 18). Also did a painting workshop with the group.
19/4/2012 Wide Bay ABC radio interview and broadcast about my acceptance into the YMCA Qld Youth Parliament for 2012.
7/5/2012 Story about my recent achievements posted on the Bundaberg Arts Network http://bundabergartsnetwork.wordpress.com/2012/05/07/chernee-sutton-update/
8/5/2012 Story about my upcoming exhibitions published in the news-mail Bundaberg.
9/5/2012 Story about the painting that was donated to the 2012 Bundaberg Mayoral Chaplaincy Support Raffle published in the news-mail.
16/5/2012 Upcoming exhibitions promoted on Bundaberg North Burnett Queensland website http://www.bookbundabergregion.com.au/events_monthly.asp and over 50 other Queensland tourism websites.
17/5/2012 Radio interview about my career as an artist so far and also about the painting I have donated to The Mayoral Chaplaincy Support Raffle for 2012 broadcast on 4BU Classic Hits Bundaberg.
18/5/2012 Story about myself and the upcoming reconciliation day artwork display posted on Queensland State Libraries reconciliAction website.
http://www.slq.qld.gov.au/whats-on/calevents/general/performances/reconciliation
22/5/2012 Guest speaker at the 2012 Bundaberg Mayoral Chaplaincy Support Raffle.
22/5/2012 Some of my artwork designs have been donated to Queensland Indigenous Health and the artwork has been reproduced onto a bus that will travel from the Fraser coast to Longreach and up to Rockhampton.
23/5/2012 First place in the Captain Cook 1770 festival art competition in the open category.
27/5/2012 Reconciliation paintings displayed at Queensland State Libraries ReconciliAction Day as well as a slide show of my past artwork and I was also an artist in residence painting on the day. The painting I created on the day was given to “Kuril Dhagun” which is the indigenous knowledge centre in appreciation of the wonderful event that they organised. The painting now hangs in the Queensland State Library.
30/5/2012 Story about the 1st place I won at the 1770 art festival published in the News-mail Bundaberg.
31/5/2012 Story about the reconciliAction day at Qld State Library published by “Speaking Out” presenter Rhianna Patrick from Brisbane ABC published on you tube
Chern'ee Sutton - Artist Profile - YouTube
1/6/2012 Official acceptance to “Artoriginal” Beyond Billabong Foundation Inaugural Indigenous Art Exhibition in October 2012.
11/6/2012 First and second place at the Rockhampton Show Fine Art competition in the Indigenous open category.
15/6/2012 Painting donated to The Friendlies Society Private Hospital Cane2Coral fun run. The painting will be auctioned at the gala dinner in August and proceeds go to Qld Cancer Council, Ronald McDonald House, Bundaberg Special School and also volunteer groups.
22/6/2012 Artist in residence at Thabeban State School’s Celebration day helping young school children to paint their boomerangs.
26/6/2012 Bunabiri Australia first range of Chern’ee Sutton souvenirs and gifts are now on sale in airports, art galleries and gift shops around Australia. First range of products include plates, cups and shot glasses.
28/6/2012 Painting displayed at Gidji art exhibition celebrating NAIDOC week.
30/6/2012 Exhibition opening at CHARTS Childers Art Gallery and also the launch of my souvenir range of products.
1/6/2012 Guest speaker at Countdown to the Childers Festival 2012 sponsors event at Childers Art Gallery.
2/7/2012 Channel 7 news report on my art exhibition at Childers.
4/7/2012 Story called “Teen Artist Goes National” published in the News-Mail paper in Bundaberg about my souvenir range being sold across Australia.
5/7/2012 Story called “Depth of Talent at new Art Show” published in Town and Country newspaper in Bundaberg about the Childers art exhibition.
6/7/2012 Paintings displayed at NAIDOC week march and festivities day.
7/7/2012 Paintings displayed at NAIDOC weeks Woorabar elders art exhibition at Dirty Linen art gallery.
24/7/2012 Interview with “Dolly” magazine to be published in November.
29/7/2012 Artist in residence at Childers Art Space, painting on the day during the Childers Multicultural festival.
30/7/2012 Bookmarks produced by Queensland Parliament from my painting hanging on the reconciliation level in Queensland Parliament House called “Ajarku Muruu”. The bookmarks will be given to overseas dignitaries as gifts when they visit Qld Parliament.
1/8/2012 Paintings displayed at Kepnock State High School’s “Music at Twilight” music festival.
15/8/2012 Story published in the National Indigenous Times about my recent achievements.
24/8/2012 Guest artist at Woongarra Primary School teaching the kids to paint aboriginal art.
28/8/2012 Official acceptance to the 2012 and 2013 University of Queensland’s Young Scholars programme.
1/9/2012 Painting donated to the “Make A Wish Foundation” Bundaberg.
1/9/2012 Opening of my exhibition at Gin–Gin Regional Courthouse Gallery called Kalkadoon. It runs from 1/9 until the 31/10/12.
23/9/2012 Week long residual camp for Queensland Youth Parliament where I wrote and debated several bills in Queensland’s Parliament House.
11/10/2012 Story about my achievements called “Master Stroke” published in “DOLLY” magazine November issue.
22/10/2012 Painting displayed at the “Artoriginal” Beyond Billabong Foundation Inaugural Indigenous Art Exhibition held in Brisbane, Qld. My painting sold for $3,500.00 and was sold before it was hung and displayed in the exhibition, all proceeds were donated to the Beyond Billabong Foundation which will be used to help Indigenous youth.
23/10/2012 Painting called “Up in Smoke” donated to my High School for smoke free event.
30/10/2012 Exhibition of 10 paintings displayed at Across The Waves Sports Club for the Bundaberg regions Indigenous celebration night, I was also MC on the night representing my High School.
31/10/2012 Paintings displayed at my High Schools awards night. Awards I received were Business Communication and Technologies subject award, Drama subject award, Marine Studies subject award, Service award, Silver Academic award and a Gold Cultural award.
2/11/2012 Photo taken with MP Member for Burnett The Honourable Stephen Bennett for an upcoming newsletter about my participation in the Queensland Youth Parliament.
4/11/2012 Reconciliation art and stories supplied to St Sebastian's Primary School in Brisbane for a mini study of Indigenous Art for grade 4 students.
10/11/2012 Story and photo published in the News-mail newspaper about the painting I donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Photo was taken with The Honourable MP Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett, Pat Russell president of the Bundaberg Make-A-Wish Foundation and myself.
23/11/2012 Exhibition of my paintings displayed at the opening of the new Bundaberg Catholic Parish.
25/11/2012 Week long camp at the University of Queenslands Young Scholars Programme.
1/12/2012 Commissioned by Caritas Australia which an international development and aid organisation in Sydney to paint 2 large reconciliation murals for them for a special reconciliation day in February 2013.
10/12/2012 Confirmation by Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery to be an Artist in Residence and to launch a new initiative called “Meet the Maker” in January 2013 where I will be painting and displaying my souvenir range to the public.
11/12/2012 Invited to be a guest speaker by the Bundaberg branch of the Queensland Justice Association which is being held in March 2013 for International Women’s Day.
12/12/2012 Confirmation from Bundaberg Mayor Cr Mal Forman that I have won the “Junior Creative Australia Day Spirit Award’ for Bundaberg that will be presented on the 25/1/2013.
18/1/2013 Artist in residence and paintings and souvenirs displayed at Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery in a new initiative called “Meet The Maker”.
19/1/2012 Painting called “How Matjumpa Got Her Pouch” and some of my souvenirs donated as the major prize for the Bundaberg mayors chaplaincy support raffle which highlights the need for all young Australians to be able to be listened to by the school chaplains without fear of judgement or criticism
23/1/2013 Second and final stage of “The Young Achievers Program” started at University of Queensland Grace college campus.
23/1/2013 Story published in the News-mail Bundaberg about my two reconciliation paintings that have been sent down to Caritas Australia’s main office in Sydney. I fly down to Sydney in February for a special reconciliation day and to officially unveil the paintings at Caritas Australia which is an international aid and development organisation of the Catholic Church of Australia.
23/1/2013 Full page story published in the National Indigenous Times about my two reconciliation paintings that have been sent down to Caritas Australia’s main office in Sydney.
24/1/2013 Story published in the News-Mail about my winning the Australia Day award.
25/1/2013 Presentation of the “Junior Creative Australia Day Spirit Award’ for Bundaberg presented by Bundaberg Mayor Cr Mal Forman.
2/2/2013 Video published by Rob Messenger on You Tube about my career as an artist so far and about the two reconciliation paintings that were commissioned by Caritas Australia.
Chern'ee Sutton - Australian Indigenous Artist - YouTube
5/2/2013 Flown down to Sydney to officially present Caritas Australia with two reconciliation paintings that were commissioned and that artistically represent caritas Australia’s commitment to reconciliation. Guest speaker on the day where I explained the meanings behind the two commissioned artworks and spoke about my journey so far.
5/2/2013 Painting called “Walking Together In One Country” presented and donated to Caritas Australia in appreciation of their commitment towards reconciliation and a united Australia.
6/2/2013 Interviewed by the Central Newspaper in Sydney about the commissioned artworks for Caritas Australia.
8/2/2013 Blog posted on Caritas Australia’s website about the reconciliation day I attended and the commissioned artworks.
http://www.caritas.org.au/learn/blog
21/2/2013 Painting on loan called “Battle Mountain” officially presented to The Honourable Glen Elmes MP who is the Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs and the Minister assisting The Premier. The painting has been loaned to The Honourable Minister and now hangs in The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs office in Brisbane.
21/2/2013 Painting called “Caina Putut” donated and presented to the QIECC Queensland Indigenous Education Consultative Committee to hang in their Brisbane office.
22/2/2013 Media release released from the Honourable Glen Elmes MP about my painting hanging in their office.
23/2/2013 Australia day 11 celebrations where I was recognised for winning the “Junior Creative Australia Day Spirit Award” for Bundaberg.
26/2/2013 Media release released by Rob Messenger about my winning the “Junior Creative Australia Day Spirit Award” for Bundaberg and also about the video published by Rob Messenger on You Tube about my career as an artist so far and about the two reconciliation paintings that were commissioned by Caritas Australia.
Chern'ee Sutton - Australian Indigenous Artist - YouTube
6/3/2013 Official acceptance to YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament for 2013. I have been appointed to represent Qld Indigenous electorates and have been placed on the Sport, Tourism and Arts Committee. As a youth parliamentarian I will be representing the needs of and speaking for the youth of my electorates.
8/3/2013 Confirmation to be the Featured Artist at “Artoriginal” Beyond Billabong Foundation Inaugural Indigenous Art Exhibition held in Brisbane, Qld later this year.
8/3/2013 Guest speaker at the International Women’s Day event for the Bundaberg branch of the Queensland Justice Association.
12/3/2013 Confirmation to be artist in residence at the Queensland State Libraries ReconciliAction day in June where I will lead some art with the public and create an installation art piece that will be hung in “Kuril Dhagun” which is the indigenous knowledge centre in the Qld State Library.
13/3/2013 Paintings displayed and sold by Aboriginal Art Galleries at The Affordable Art Fair in Hong Kong.
19/3/2013 Commissioned by an English professor at a United States University to design a painting that will be used on the cover of a book called “A Companion to Australian Aboriginal Literature”. The book will feature my artwork on the front cover and also have a short bio about myself inside and will be published in August and sold worldwide.
20/3/2013 Painting designed for the ARTIE programme (Achieving Results Through Indigenous Education) with the copyright design donated to ARTIE which will be used on a towel for indigenous high achievers at a special camp later in the year.
27/3/2013 Feature Artist at the Bluewater Art Festival from the 27th to the 31st March with several paintings sold which includes a painting sold to the Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer The Honourable Wayne Swan MP.
5/4/2013 Attended the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament forum where the bill I am writing was decided as well as taking the “Oath Of Office” at Queensland Parliament House.
8/4/2013 Walked Kalkadoon country for 8 days with well known author, archaeologist and Elder Uncle Ken Isaacson where I was shown many sacred rock art sites and sites of historical significance to the Kalkadoon people.
18/4/2013 Story published in Community Connections by the Queensland Indigenous Education Consultative Committee about the painting I donated to them.
25/4/2013 Story published in the News-Mail about the painting and souvenirs I donated to The Mayoral Chaplaincy Support Raffle in Bundaberg.
10/5/2013 Selected to represent the Bundaberg region by painting my artwork on the Dreamtime Drive vehicle in the Bundaberg CBD pavilion. The Dreamtime Drive will travel around Australia and is being progressively painted along the way by indigenous artists. The car will be sold at the end of the drive with all proceeds being donated to Red Dust Charity.
10/5/2013 Live radio interview about the Dreamtime Drive on Wide bay ABC radio station.
10/5/2013 Blog about the Dreamtime Drive posted on the ABC website.
http://blogs.abc.net.au/queensland/2013/05/dreamtime-drive.html
11/5/2013 Story published in the New-Mail about my painting the Dreamtime Drive vehicle in the Bundaberg CBD pavilion.
