CAITLIN - Mirii Art
@caitlin.mirii.art

Caitlin Trindall is a proud Gomeroi woman and the creator of Mirii Art. As a multi-disciplinary artist and businesswoman, Caitlin draws upon her own life experiences to create unique contemporary artworks that bring Aboriginal art and culture into everyday spaces and conversations.



How do you typically find inspiration for your work?

My artworks are a reflection of my own life experiences, my surroundings, and my thoughts and feelings, intertwined with cultural knowledge. When I’m given a theme to work to, I start by reflecting on what the theme means to me, and how I can share a story, message, or cultural knowledge through the theme. I lean on Country for inspiration, finding the beauty of our natural surroundings, and go from there. Once I get started, the ideas keep flowing as the story is woven together one piece at a time.


What has influenced your personal artistic style?

I’m lucky to have a very creative family, with my parents and grandparents all engaging in various creative art forms. I’ve always loved arts and crafts since I was young, and I’ve got to explore different styles and techniques over the years. Meeting other creatives and yarning with Elders and mentors has been hugely influential to my artistic journey so far. My style has grown with me as I’m continuously learning and challenging myself on what it means to be a contemporary Aboriginal artist. I would say my style is centred on sharing stories, messages, and cultural knowledge through traditional art symbols, and pairing this with bright vibrant colours to create a modern feel.


What does ‘The Future’s Our Creation’’ mean to you?

When I started my artwork for this theme, I sat with my husband and my Nan, and we all reflected on what the theme means to us. In particular, I thought about the theme in relation to how I want to create a better future for my son, and the generations to come.


Some of the key themes that we discussed included the concept of deepening community connection and collaboration, focussing on sustainability and caring for Country, and drawing from the strength and knowledge of our Elders and ancestors to raise strong, kind, compassionate, respectful, and joyful youth. The future is what we make it, and our actions affect future generations to come.


Were there any specific design choices or artistic elements that you felt really got the message across?

In the centre of this artwork is our beautiful Grandfather Sun, shining light, warmth, and life over the landscape. I used the sun because it can be reflective of both a sunrise giving hope for a better and brighter future, and also a sunset encouraging us to reflect on our journeys so far.


The bottom layer represents the sacred ground in which we stand upon; with pillars standing as tall, strong, and proud as our ancestors, our Elders, and the men and women of which they hold.


The five interconnected meeting places are symbolic of community connection and collaboration. It’s showing people coming together to listen, to learn, to share, and to celebrate our journeys.


The background contains elements that reflect sustainability and a clear connection to Country. You will see cleansing waterholes, bush flowers, wattle, lemon myrtle, and symbols of people and footsteps to show the way we coexist and walk gently and respectfully with Mother Earth.


Do you have any advice for someone wanting to pursue a career in art?

My advice is to let your creativity run free, and to trust in the process. Be authentically you, have open conversations with other creatives, Elders and mentors and be open minded to the constant learning process of it all. Give it a go - you’re ready now.


How do you want people to feel after viewing your art?

My hope is that my art is a conversation starter; for people to explore and learn, and to feel inspired. I hope that the warm colour palette helps people to feel joy and positivity. I want people to feel the way I felt when I created the art; connected, grounded, and empowered.