Welcome
Empower Your Work Space or Classroom Today
Contact me for unique hand-painted Aboriginal art and/or educational packages for your students and teachers
About Sacred Sister Artistry
About Sacred Sister Artistry
Welcome to Sacred Sister Artistry! I’m Rebecca Manila, an Aboriginal artist and passionate advocate for mental wellness through creative expression. I established my business in August 2024, during a challenging time in my life, while staying in a homeless shelter with limited resources and finances.
Despite these obstacles, I held onto my dreams and ambitions, fueled by a deep desire to share my cultural heritage and unique stories through art. My experiences have taught me the power of resilience and creativity. Every brushstroke represents not just my journey, but also the strength and spirit of my community.
As a multi-racial individual, with my father being Filipino and my mother Aboriginal, I have a rich tapestry of cultural influences that shape my identity and artistic expression. Before embarking on this artistic path, I was a primary school teacher and served as the head teacher of Aboriginal education in the South West Sydney region of NSW. This background has deepened my commitment to education and cultural awareness, and I aim to incorporate these values into my artwork. Through my art and teaching resources, I hope to educate others about Aboriginal culture and promote mental health, fostering understanding and connection.
Art has always been my sanctuary—a means to express my emotions, heal from past traumas, and connect with others. I strive to create a welcoming space where people can find solace and inspiration through my work.
At Sacred Sister Artistry, I believe that everyone deserves a chance to express themselves and feel valued. My mission is to empower individuals, especially those facing challenges, to explore their creativity and embrace their unique stories. Together, we can celebrate the richness of Aboriginal culture and promote mental wellness.
Thank you for being part of my journey. I invite you to explore my art, share in this experience, and join me in building a supportive community centered around creativity, healing, and cultural pride.
My Mission
At Sacred Sister Artistry, my mission is to celebrate and share the rich cultural heritage of Aboriginal art while promoting mental wellness through creative expression. I strive to create a welcoming space where stories are shared, and the healing power of art is embraced. Through my work, I aim to inspire others to connect with their creativity and find solace in the beauty of artistic expression. I also aim to educate using my cultural art, unique stories, and Aboriginal teaching unit resources.
My Vision
My vision is to foster a community where Aboriginal voices and art are recognized and valued. I aspire to be a catalyst for change, using my art to advocate for mental health awareness and cultural understanding. By empowering individuals to explore their creativity, I hope to contribute to a more inclusive society where diverse stories and perspectives are celebrated.
My Values
- Cultural Integrity: I am committed to honouring and respecting Aboriginal culture and traditions in every piece of art I create. Authenticity is at the core of my work, and I aim to share my heritage with pride.
- Empowerment: I believe in the transformative power of art. My goal is to empower others, especially those facing challenges, by providing tools and resources that encourage self-expression and personal growth.
- Community Connection: Building relationships and supporting one another is vital. I strive to create a sense of belonging through collaboration and shared experiences within the art community and beyond.
- Mental Wellness: I recognize the importance of mental health and aim to create a safe space for individuals to explore their feelings through art. My work promotes healing, resilience, and self-discovery.
- Inclusivity: I welcome all individuals to engage with my art and join in the conversation. Diversity enriches our experiences, and I am dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
Join Me on This Journey
I invite you to explore my art, share your story, and be a part of this beautiful journey. Together, we can celebrate creativity, promote mental wellness, and honour the rich tapestry of Aboriginal culture.
Let’s connect! If you enjoy what you see, I encourage you to share my blog with your friends and family. Your support helps spread awareness and brings more voices to our community.
Follow me on Instagram @sacredsisterartistry for the latest updates, behind-the-scenes looks at my creative process, and more inspiring content. Together, we can foster a vibrant community centered around art and wellness!
circles of kinship: our totems, our legacy feature
Circles of Kinship: Our Totems, Our Legacy Synopsis
This artwork is a deeply personal reflection of the bond between my daughter and her son, woven through the powerful spiritual connection of their Aboriginal totems. My own totem, the southern right whale of the Eora people, stands for strength and perseverance, always moving forward. The goanna, representing her father’s Wiradjuri heritage, embodies resilience and survival. And the praying mantis, of her son’s father’s Dunghatti ancestry, symbolises patience and stillness. Together, these totems reflect the unique journey of my daughter and grandson, grounding them in their own cultural legacy and identity.
Through the silhouettes of mother and son, I capture the tenderness of their journey together. From the bottom left, a mother gently places her hand on her son’s shoulder, encouraging him as he points ahead to the unknown. This moment speaks to the trust between them, as she supports him, allowing him to explore the world with the reassurance of her presence. As they continue through life, their connection remains strong—whether sitting side by side, looking into the distance, or walking together hand in hand, each gesture represents the unspoken understanding that comes from a mother’s love.
At the heart of the painting, the mother and son stand united in their own vibrant family circle, filled with the bright, hopeful colours of pink, yellow, and orange. This central image is a symbol of the sacred bond they share, a place where love, guidance, and strength are passed down, ensuring the continuation of our culture, values, and traditions.
In the top left, I’ve depicted a tender moment of deep emotion—where the mother kneels, gently kissing her son on the forehead. By her side is a coolamon filled with Lillypillis and a digging stick, representing her role as the gatherer, protector, and nurturer. It’s a reminder of the sacred responsibility Aboriginal women carry as the heart of the family and the keepers of our cultural knowledge. Each totem is painted inside its own circle of kinship, symbolising the significance of Country and connection to the land.
These circles are all linked by journey lines, showing that no matter where we go, we are always connected—to each other, to our ancestors, and to the land we come from. The journey lines lead to the bright centre of the painting, where the mother and son stand within their circle of kinship, surrounded by love and tradition.
This artwork is my gift to my daughter and grandson, a way of honouring their story, their totems, and their connection to our people. It celebrates the legacy of kinship, the sacred role of motherhood, and the enduring strength of our cultural ties. Through this painting, I hope to pass on the wisdom of our ancestors and remind them both that no matter where life takes them, they will always be grounded in the strength of their heritage and the love of their family.
Copyright © 2024 Rebecca Manila, Sacred Sister Artistry. All rights reserved.
Waranwarin early learning centre feature
Explore Aboriginal Culture Through Art
At Sacred Sister Artistry, I believe in the power of storytelling through art. As an Aboriginal artist and educator, I craft unique, hand-painted pieces just for you! Each artwork comes with educational resources aligned to classroom needs, enhancing your connection to the art. Join me in honouring Aboriginal culture in a fun and meaningful way!
Thank You for Supporting Sacred Sister Artistry!
Thank you for choosing to support Sacred Sister Artistry! Your trust and encouragement mean the world to me. I’m excited to share my art and passion with you, and I look forward to continuing this journey together. Every purchase helps empower my mission and makes a difference in our community. Thank you for being a part of it!
NEW feature
Title: Country's Tapestry
This artwork weaves together the essence of nature’s vast landscapes and the deep-rooted connection between the earth and its people.
The varying shades of green reflect the richness of life across different terrains—each section a tribute to the resilience and beauty of forests, grasslands, and mountains.
The intricate brown dot patterns layered on top represent the footprints of those who walked before us, leaving behind stories, traditions, and wisdom.
Together, these elements create a visual tapestry that speaks to the harmony between growth and heritage, a reminder that the earth and its people are eternally intertwined.
Acrylic on canvas, 30cm x 40cm.
This beautiful art painting found a forever home.
NEW feature
Title: Women Dancing on Country
This artwork is a celebration of the deep connection between women and the land, representing the layers of life, history, and culture that shape their journey.
The top layer of bright lime-yellow, intertwined with vibrant dot patterns and two mountains standing close together, reflects the energy and unity of community.
Below, the purple section depicts women, children, and elders, with two mountains symbolising the generations that walk side by side, sharing their stories and wisdom.
The blue layer with three mountains, stars, and gold and bronze dots evokes a celestial connection— ancestral spirits watching over and guiding from above.
The green layer continues with the symbols of women, children, and elders, grounded in tradition yet illuminated by the bright colours of renewal.
Finally, the aqua layer, filled with lively dot patterns, signifies the joy and vibrancy of life on Country, where women dance to honour their ancestors and the land.
Acrylic on canvas
This captivating art piece has found its forever home.
