Balgarra Designs is 100% Aboriginal owned and operated, by Joanne Hamilton. The word Balgarra comes from the Wiradjuri language which means ‘to emit sparks’. Joanne chose the word Balgarra because of what it represents. To emit sparks, the beginning of something new, to ignite a fire. Through Balgarra designs, Joanne hopes to ignite a fire of understanding, education, cultural awareness and unification through her art to the world.
Balgarra Designs is an Australian Aboriginal Business, for the purpose of building an economical, sustainable business, to inspire Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, while creating art to ignite a fire of understanding through education & cultural awareness to the world.
Who are we?
Balgarra Designs is made up of a team of three artists, Joanne Hamilton, Michelle Hamilton & Leona McGrath. Joanne Hamilton is owner & manager of Balgarra Designs.. Joanne Hamilton & Michelle Hamilton are sisters and Leona McGrath is a long life friend. All the ladies began painting together in the 90's, holding various stalls at markets in and around Sydney, NSW.
Over the years the ladies forged their own careers, each on their own separate paths, but in 2018 have since reunited and formed a special and unique bond working together within Balgarra Designs, creating beautiful artwork and working on stalls and markets again.
https://www.balgarradesigns.com.au/