While studying abroad in Sydney, Australia in 2001, I traveled to Alice Springs, where I purchased an original piece of Aboriginal art by Marlene Coombes. I even have a photo of the artist holding her artwork tucked away in my scrapbook. At the time, the warm, muted colors spoke to me, and I felt a connection to its meaning, which, on a basic level, has to do with women sitting around campfires. The indigenous people of Australia tell the most mystical stories through their artwork.

Over the past nine years, my Aboriginal dot painting has hung in various apartments in Boston, DC, NYC and Omaha. But when we moved into our house two years ago, I wasn’t sure where to display it, so it’s been sitting in box in a closet, and I haven’t given it much thought. That is, until I came across these posts by Viv from Ish & Chi and Jen from Made by Girl.

Long story short, Viv was contemplating buying a gorgeous pink-hued canvas by Aboriginal artist Jeannie Mills Pwerl for her living room. When she took the plunge (I imagine her purchase was quite costly, as I believe she was debating between the canvas and a new bicycle), she inspired Jen to track down a Jeannie Mills Pwerl original of her own.

I don’t know how J feels about Aboriginal art, but I would love to own a similar piece by Jeannie Mills Pwerl and would proudly display it in the living room. I can’t get these two pieces off my mind. I’m totally obsessed with their large scale and bright, airy colors.

How do you feel about Aboriginal art?

1. my photo 2. my photo 3. image via Ish & Chi 4. image via Made by Girl