Charmaine Davis is a proud Gumbaynggir and Bundjalung artist based in Queensland. Her artistic creations are deeply connected to culture, homelands and family. Charmaine’s works are reflections of a spiritual connection to Country. Through ancestral links, family, identity and community Charmaine tells not only her own story, but that of her lineage and people.

“Water plays an integral part in the landscape of Country and that of its people,” says Charmaine. “It is the lifeblood of our world and supports a rich tapestry of life for all living things. Waterways and Wonder is a series of paintings that represent the rivers that give life and are connected to us all.

“The concept for these pieces came from the connection we have with place, especially the water systems that impact them. My connection to Maiwar, Brisbane River in Queensland, where I live and work, to the Washpool Creek in northern New South Wales where my family’s smoking ceremony is held every year. I have referenced the rivers connected to the founder of R.M.Williams and that of its current custodians.

“Sydney Harbour in all its beauty has a pride of place. Sydney Harbour Waterways I and II are inspired by my ongoing connection to Sydney and the exhibition space at R.M.Williams’ flagship store. Auburn River in Queensland flows through Rockybar, the family home of founder Reginald Murray Williams, while Minderoo sits by the Ashburton River in Western Australia, home of the current custodians of R.M.Williams.”