The Journey was Always You

Bidi Kalyagool Noonook

 

This painting tells the story of two souls born on different sides of the world, each walking their own journey across Country long before they ever met. Though separated by distance, culture, and many life challenges, their paths were always quietly moving toward one another. The journey lines flowing throughout the painting represent the roads they travelled - winding, uncertain, and at times difficult - yet guided by something deeper than direction alone. No matter where life carried them, their spirits continued forward toward the place they were always meant to meet.

The two smaller meeting places represent each of their families and the foundations they came from. These circles hold the love, stories, strength, and traditions that shaped them individually before their lives became intertwined. Though different in origin, both families remain deeply connected within the story, symbolising the joining not only of two people, but of two worlds becoming one.

At the heart sits a much larger meeting place, representing their union through marriage and the life they have created together. In the centre sits Nic, Lucy and their two daughters, Alice and Isabel. Surrounding this central space is a large community- a reflection of the people who stood beside them, supported them, and celebrated their coming together after all they endured to arrive there. It symbolises belonging, acceptance, and the strength found in shared connection.

Along the journey are two birthing caves, representing their beautiful girls and the continuation of life, legacy, and future generations still to come. These sacred symbols honour creation, growth, and the beauty that can emerge after hardship. They remind us that love not only unites paths, but creates new beginnings and new stories that continue long beyond ourselves.

The one-way kangaroo tracks symbolise strength, resilience, and the importance of always moving forward through life’s challenges. The rainbow represents hope, connection, and spiritual guidance- a reminder that even across distance and hardship, their journeys were always leading them back to one another.

The echidna tracks within this painting represent two souls walking long and separate journeys across Country, each shaped by challenge, resilience, and growth. Like the echidna mating trails that wander patiently through the landscape before finally meeting, these paths symbolise lives that were never simple or straight yet were always moving toward one another. Through hardship, distance, and time, their spirits continued forward until fate united them, reminding us that some connections are meant to find their way home.