Kimberley for Kirsty

Karnup artist Kirsty Lowe’s respect for the Kimberley’s rich indigenous culture and heritage is obvious.

Not only is her home filled with striking paintings of the State’s North West, but the mum-of-three also attends university full time and volunteers with Yorgum – an Aboriginal health service.

She also actively campaigns to stop the industrialisation of picturesque James Price Point, 32km north of Broome. “We can’t attempt to change the way things are and make a difference unless we understand indigenous culture — there is still so much racism across the country,” she said.

“The Government is taking the land at James Price Point and offering the people there less than the baby bonus to allow industry on to sacred land.

“I have always understood that connection to the land and feel something of a sixth sense towards it myself.”

Lowe’s latest painting, entitled Get to the Point, depicts a scene from a dreamtime story and will go on show at the Wilderness Society’s Making Waves for the Kimberley exhibition in Perth next month.

The exhibition has also been endorsed by campaigning musician John Butler and photographer Christian Fletcher.

The artist is also in her final year studying counselling at Fremantle’s Notre Dame University and has been campaigning to encourage the university to incorporate Aboriginal studies into its degree program.

“I’ve been doing an extra unit in Aboriginal studies and want to go on to postgraduate too,” she said. “I hope to one day relocate to the Kimberley to work with the people there.”

The Making Waves for the Kimberley exhibition and fundraiser takes place on June 8 at Spacecubed, 45 St Georges Terrace, Perth.