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Judith Young Collaboration

Kmart is proud to collaborate with Wiradjuri (Waradgerie) artist Judith Young for the Waluwin collection. Waluwin is the Wiradjuri word for healing and good health.

Judith’s parents grew up on the Sandhills along the Murrumbidgee River in Narrandera NSW. Her mother was a watercolour artist and her father a boomerang and artefact maker. She honours and celebrates her parents in her process by combining the watercolour painting from her Mum (Judith Williams nee Johnson) and burning techniques from her Dad (Kevin Williams).

“I always remember going back to Narrandera and how Mum spoke about the beautiful wattle trees which bring yiing (joy) to the soul.” 

Judith wanted to show how important it is to spend time in the bush and connect with creation, just as her ancestors did. Her artwork is about the importance of healthy living, healthy thinking and the healthy choices we can make. “Our lands give health. When you connect with country you leave feeling refreshed and cleansed.”  

Her hope for this artwork, is that everyone will have an opportunity to bring Waluwin into their home. A beautiful reminder that to be in good health we must be connected to country.

This special range was designed by Judith to honour her family and pay tribute to the creative gifts passed down by her Mum and Dad. The symbolic markings and leaves represent the importance of connecting to country and bringing healing and good health into the home.

Markings & Symbols

All of the markings and symbols featured in the artwork (except the diamond) were passed down to Judith and her siblings by her father.

Judith’s father made the boomerangs and artefacts, and taught Judith and her siblings how to use the ends of the boomerangs to create these unique markings. Judith burnt these markings on watercolour paper to honour this process.

1. Lines.png

Lines represent the Waradgerie Marrara’s which are traditional tree carvings.

2. Diamonds.png

Diamonds symbolise Judith’s husband, children and grandchildren.

3. Dots.png

The dots throughout represent mob coming together.

4. Circles.jpg

Circles represent waterholes and places for ceremony.

5. Lines 2.png

Lines represent journey along the 3 Waradgerie rivers: Murrumbidgee, Kalari and Wambool.

6. Wattle Wood.jpg

Wattle wood is used for artefacts.

7. Wattle Seeds.jpg

Wattle seeds are used for food and tea.

8. OLD-MAN-WEED.jpg

Old man weed is used in medicines and ointments.

9. Eucalyptus leaves.jpg

Eucalyptus leaves are used for ceremony and for medicine.

10. Tea tree.jpg

Tea tree is used for cleansing and refreshing.