Indigenous business owner's advice for aspiring artists: "You're ready now"

Her creative disposition was nurtured by a family of artists. She describes both her parents and grandparents as creative people, but it wasn’t until a 2016 trip to visit her pop on Gomeroi Country that Caitlin realised she could channel her passion into a business.

Today, Caitlin is a multi-disciplinary artist and founder of Mirii Art, where she produces original art pieces, leads creative workshops and collaborates with government, corporate and non-for-profit sectors on cultural projects. 

Her art can now be seen across the country, most notably with the Twilight at Taronga summer concert series, Sportsgirl storefronts nationwide, and she has partnered with major festivals including NarraBRIGHT, and online marketplace Yarn on various initiatives.

“As cliché as this might be, one of my highlights is seeing my art pop up in unexpected places.

“I’ve created art and digital designs for companies across Australia, and sometimes I’ll see an advertisement, or turn on the TV and my art is there. It’s a beautiful reminder of how far I’ve come, from the little girl making art in her bedroom, to now,” she says.

Artist Caitlin Trindall (right) presents her artwork for Sportsgirl storefronts nationwide. Photo: Supplied.

Fusing the traditional with contemporary 

Caitlin’s work blends traditional and contemporary styles, a practice she approaches with guidance from Aboriginal Elders, knowledge holders and community members. As a proud Gomeroi woman, Caitlin uses her artwork as a medium to connect with her late pop. 

“There is something very special, a connection and an emotion that I get when I paint, that makes me feel close with him again,” she says. 

Her cultural workshops are an extension of this connection, offering participants of all ages an opportunity to engage with Indigenous knowledge through hands-on experiences like jewellery making or paint-and-yarn style classes.

“I love to connect with participants and share local Aboriginal knowledge that has generously been shared with me by our Elders and knowledge holders. I hope that participants walk away feeling inspired, with a deeper understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal peoples and the Country they are living and working on,” she adds. 

Indigenous Business Month

In honour of Indigenous Business Month, Caitlin reflects on the pride she feels in seeing Indigenous art celebrated on a global stage. She loves that her young son can see his culture being embraced in the community. 

“From stage backdrops and shop front windows, to clothing, home décor, and books. It’s so important to keep the conversations open, keep our culture alive. Our culture deserves to be seen, and to be celebrated.”

For Caitlin, creativity is also a form of learning. Her work is grounded in the continual process of seeking knowledge, asking questions, and taking on feedback to develop as an artist.

“There are some things that I cannot paint, and some things that just don’t feel right to paint. For the most part, my artworks tell stories of my own life and experiences – they are an expression of myself,” she explains.

UOW graduate Caitlin Trindall is a multi-disciplinary artist and founder of Mirii Art. Photo: Supplied.

Crafting a future

Caitlin’s career as an artist was shaped by her time at the University of Wollongong (UOW), where she studied a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Indigenous Studies. 

She recalls a highlight of her time at UOW was a two-year internship with Foxtel, which she earned through the Woolyungah Indigenous Centre via CareerTrackers, a national organisation that supports First Nations university students by connecting them with employers for paid internships.

“This really set me up for success post-uni, and I’ve built so many connections which I still hold close to me now,” she says.

Her advice to aspiring artists is simple and authentic. 

“Let your creativity run free, and trust in the process. Be authentically you, have open conversations with other creatives, Elders, and mentors, and stay open-minded to the constant learning process. Challenge yourself – give it a go – you’re ready now.”