Many people would describe my paintings as “aboriginal art”, but I personally do not. While my artwork clearly reflects my indigenous heritage, it is also influenced by my “whiter” side. Many of my paintings attempt to depict the Australian bush and all of the creatures that inhabit it, in a way that acknowledges and celebrates indigenous culture and values. Other works seek to examine and depict the imbalance and tension between black and white Australia, while some address non-racial, universal themes of nature, life and death.

Curriculum Vitae

Debra O'Regan

I was born and raised in Bundaberg, Queensland, one of twelve children to a white father and an indigenous mother.

What artistic flair I possess was inherited from my mother, who possessed a unique ability to transform the simplest of nature’s offerings, such as a piece of driftwood or seashell, into a thing of beauty. I began drawing as a child with very limited resources, and beyond watching and attempting to imitate my mother, I have no artistic training. In other words I am completely self-taught and have developed my skills through simple trial and error.

In early adulthood I discovered tapestry, an endeavour I derived great pleasure and satisfaction from for several years. Later in life I turned my hand to writing and published my autobiography in 2015. At the same time I re-discovered my passion for drawing and produced a number of paintings, one of which features on the cover of my book.

I moved to Tasmania with my husband and two daughters over 20 years ago, and apart from a brief return to Queensland 15 years ago, we have lived in the Launceston area ever since.