Blue print is a multiform art medium: written and spoken words, digital images and paint on canvas. Its driving force is the concern I have for the future, and what it will be for all our grandchildren. The influence of Namarrang, my mother’s brother, had a very strong impact on us as a family.

What does the future hold for the next generations? What will exist in 50 years time and then in 100 years? How many changes will have occurred in the past 50 years? What has been lost? More importantly, what will we decide to keep? What is it that we will value?

With my younger brother’s support, I made a decision that I would commence a project that would provide information and knowledge that may be useful to my grandchildren’s generation because that is our responsibility. Transferring knowledge orally is no longer as effective as it was in my grandmother’s day so we are in need of new ways. Being innovative and adapting are attributes that we all excel in. I was very aware I needed to expand my own knowledge and I needed my family for that.

Many of my family have contributed in very great ways. I was given information and guidance, I was blocked when it was thought I needed it and, best of all, I had many, many great discussions with my family. It has been a journey, intellectually and creatively.

The paintings I have since made do not do this story justice, Warramurrunggundji’s epic story is simply too big. But in hearing about her, our ancestor, and exploring her ongoing legacy to us, perhaps I have a glimpse of what innate beauty is and can be.

Christine Christophersen, 2007