Warranha Inaar – Meaning Strong Woman Original

Title of artwork: Warranha Inaar – Meaning Strong Woman Original

Material: Acrylic on Canvas

Frame: Floating Tasmanian Oak

Dimensions: 64cm x 94cm

Year: 2023

Price: $5,500

As a proud Indigenous woman, I would first like to pay my respects to Elders past, present, and emerging and acknowledge the traditional owners of this land on which I was born and raised. 

The inspiration behind my artwork stems from the strong women in my life, both past and present, and my goal is to celebrate the strength of women around the world. My name is Lizzy Stageman, and I would like to share my story with you. 

As you accompany me on this journey through my artwork, I am confident that you will be able to identify with some, if not all, of the elements in it. This story will also be yours, or someone close to you. 

I come from a lineage of women who possess an incredible strength, women who have persevered through significant challenges. Without them, I would not exist. While I have endured my fair share of difficulties and pain, I wouldn't change a thing because every experience has only made me stronger. I proudly wear my scars as a reminder of how much I've grown. 

As an artist, I have found a medium through which I can express myself freely, and to be completely transparent, it has been instrumental in my healing process. My artwork has allowed me to let go of past pains and embrace new beginnings. 

This artwork begins in the centre with a powerful symbol that stands on top of a mountain. This symbol represents a woman in Aboriginal culture and my unique contemporary style. This symbol represents me and all of the strong women around the world. It has strong lines that illustrate my strength and rounded edges that demonstrate my soft and nurturing side. This symbol stands tall and proud to honour all of the women who have conquered their mountains, like me and those who came before me, as well as the many women who will continue to climb their own mountains and find the strength to persevere even when they feel like they can't go on. 

The artwork is divided into sections, each representing different aspects of my life. In the top corner section, you will see a symbol with two circles that are connected by curved lines. This symbol represents my journey, which I will continue to take. It is surrounded by the water, smoke, and fire symbols, which are illustrated by many curved lines, reminding me that no matter what challenges I may face, I will continue to move forward on my journey. 

As you move towards the bottom of the artwork, you will notice multiple circular symbols that represent special meeting places or campsites. These symbols signify the places I have visited and will continue to travel to on my journey, where I can rest and rejuvenate for the journey ahead.

In the left and semi-centred section of the artwork, a large place symbol can be seen, which serves as a reminder that I will continue to make my mark in this world. I will keep learning along the way, always striving to be a better version of myself. The many dots scattered throughout the artwork represent the numerous footsteps I have taken on my life's journey, and will continue to take in the future. 

I will continue to strive to be the best daughter, sister, cousin, friend, and, most importantly, the best mother I can be. I am grateful for the blessings in my life and give thanks to the strong women who endured so much for me to be here today. 

I would like to share some powerful lyrics from the hit song "I Am Woman" by the Australian artist, Helen Reddy. I dedicate this ever-so-powerful song to all the strong women in the world. 

‘I am woman, hear me roar

You can bend but never break me 

If I have to, I can do anything 

I am strong

I am invincible I am woman’

Lizzy