ABOUT

I was born and raised in Cairns with my parents, Diana (nee Barnes), and Stephen Stanley Reys, a member of the Jirrbal cultural group. On my mother's side, through my grandmother Eva Sweetland Coates, I am a descendant of the Butchulla people (aka Badtjala), who were forcibly removed from K’gari (Fraser Island) to Yarrabah in 1904.

My grandfather, Charles Sweetland Coates, was a Guugu Yimithirr man from the Dharrpa Warra clan around the Morgan River. My Aboriginal name, given to me, is Duliny, which means Owl. My totems are the Waandaar (White Cockatoo) and Dolphin.

Photo Credit: Christina Bevilacqua

I feel privileged to know my family history and bloodline and to continue my people's ancient tradition of painting and storytelling. I work from my home studio, where I engage with stoneware glazes, textile designs, and canvas paintings.

My artistic inspiration comes from various symbols found on rock art and carved trees within my country, as well as the marks made in the sand during traditional storytelling—a practice that continues to thrive in our living culture. Since 2000, I have been exhibiting my artwork, and I currently operate the successful retail business 'K’gari 3 Sisters.'

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