By Hollie Harris
Artist, 2014 and 2017 Archibald finalist and Yorta Yorta and Dja Dja Warung descendent, Jandamarra Cadd, is known as a voice for Indigenous equality.
This peaceful warrior has a gentle soul, yet below the surface lays a very focused and driven man who is constantly searching for ways to better his artistic skills, his work life balance, relationships and purpose.
Recently invited by the Australian Embassy in Jakarta and the Consulate General in Bali to celebrate NAIDOC week in Indonesia, Jandamarra returns from a five day whirlwind trip of working alongside local artists.
“It was a truly amazing experience. I was really moved by the culture, humbleness of the people and rich experience shared with other creative perspectives,” Jandamarra said.
Feeling that he has always been able to see and experience life in a way that seemed different to others, Jandamarra wears his heart and soul on his sleeve.
Painting as a means to express himself as a 15-year-old boy enduring a difficult childhood, after a long and committed journey, he eventually transitioned from an emerging artist to professional artist during his first touring solo exhibition “Past. Present. Future” in Melbourne.
The success of this exhibition solidified his career and kicked off subsequent successful solo exhibitions and then inevitably, his outstanding work lead him to become an Archibald finalist – not once, but twice.
It takes Jandamarra five very long days a week for six months to paint his Archibald entries and this year’s piece of Uncle Jack Charles was no exception.
Jandamarra’s world has taken on a whole new level of busy these days.
A man who moves with a gentle purpose, a steadfast and thoughtful approach to each task and with a sense of peacefulness that is truly contagious has somehow managed to pull off having it all.
But the man behind the paintings, the one who touches so many people’s lives with his infectious smile and open heart is so much more than a world-class artist.
A father to three children, a husband, a flourishing and time-demanding art career and guest speaking business, manning an acreage property and trying to keep a social life is more than most can take on.
So how does he do it?
“It’s important to ‘play’ and not work all the time. My children have taught me how to be in the moment and live more so in a world that isn’t primarily based on the continual responsibilities and demands of working and living in a society.”
High up in the Hinterland, David Bowie tunes are piping out of a cottage surrounded by a bamboo forest. The all too familiar sounds of a sander drowns out the music as Mindari, Nuyara and Winton chase chickens around a cubby house painted all the colours of the rainbow. This is the Cadd’s home life.
Jandamarra and his partner of eight years – Amy – have worked hard in their down-time to transform their timber home into one that suited the sub-tropical environment.
“We had to make it work and as creative and independent people, we love to do it ourselves,” Jandamarra says.
Renovations are one way for Jandamarra to unwind, as is precious time with the love of his life – his family.
“Whether playing a game of volleyball, soccer, badminton, or just climbing one of our big trees together and swinging from ropes off of them – the moments shared in this are so valuable and yet priceless,” he said.
“We don’t always get it right and at times long for the communal way all of our ancestors once lived. I guess we try to communicate with each other when we need some time out to ourselves, whether it’s seeing a movie or beach time, or going out with friends for a dance to live music.”
“But being a father – the depths of love that you experience that I never knew existed pre children – it has the ability to bring out the best in you and sometimes the worst as they have a tight grip onto those heart strings.”
Many may not have had the pleasure of glimpsing Jandamarra’s cheeky and perhaps a little warped sense of humour.
It seems butter wouldn’t melt, but the man is funny! Certainly, a match made in heaven with his equally comical and big hearted side-kick Amy – the two seem to work through life’s journey with a sense of realness, acceptance and comedy. Their first official date says it all.
“I invited Amy to come with me to a day seminar on the importance of bowel health. We are both pretty interested in health and wellness, but Amy still likes to sarcastically say how romantic I am when people ask about our relationship,” Jandamarra said.
These two make quite a team. Painting often takes Jandamarra into his studio for 12-16 hour days, meaning Amy is an intrinsic piece to the colourful world that is Cadds, as she holds the fort while Jandamarra works.
“I need to be 100 per cent present and tend to listen to select music to facilitate my focus. I prefer to also have many days in a row to paint and can’t take phone calls or visits as it takes me out of my creative flow.”
A very hands-on dad when he’s not working, Jandamarra takes on the family duties when registered nurse Amy works and spends as much time in nature with his children as possible.
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One of Jandamarras role models and subject for his 2014 Archibald piece, Archie Roach, has helped the artist to identify with his past struggles.
“Archie Roach had a rough time through life growing up as an Aboriginal person through the ’60s till now and has personally overcome a lot of challenges – some similar to my own life.
“I deeply admire his resilience and fortitude, and how he uses his music to heal not only himself, but also for so many others.”
Archie will be performing songs from his last two award winning albums, Into the Bloodstream and Let Love Rule this Friday and Saturday night at The Majestic Theatre, Pomona.
“It’s such a privilege for our community to be able to have Uncle Archie come and perform. He’s got such depth, wisdom, passion and stories to tell. He’s a truly unique musician and it’s humbling to hear his songs of redemption, emancipation and raw, unbridled truth.”
“Amy and I are very excited to be going. We went to his last tour here two years ago and it was very soul enriching.”
Jandamarra’s artwork is currently showing in Nissarana Galleries in Hastings Street.
The gallery promotes and supports local established and upcoming Australian, Indigenous Australian and International artists.
“Two of the pieces that are in Nissarana are part of my “Spaces Between” collection which is scheduled for exhibition in Adelaide from December this year. This will be the first time my dot portraits will be exhibited all together,” Jandamarra said.
Also in the pipeline is his new works for exhibition for next year.
The Caloundra Regional Gallery will showcase this new collection called “United Journey.”
“It’s about showing how non -Indigenous and Indigenous people can learn from one another through a symbiotic relationship based on mutual respect and a will to enhance all of our quality of life through walking as true custodians together.”
“I feel this is not only possible but integral for the future of all humanity. Learning from our traditional roots as to walk forward right way,” he says.
Jandamarra will be guest speaking at the first ’Ignite’ event on the Sunshine Coast later this month at the Cooroy Hotel for an evening of short five minute insights from eight carefully selected and inspirational speakers over a sit down dinner.
Amy was also invited to share her experience working in palliative care for the evening as the pair embark on yet another inspirational venture together.
“It is really tricky at times, being so busy and having a family with young children, in which I am a very hands-on dad,” he said.
He will have to continue to master the juggle with his career growing exponentially here in Australia and now achieving overseas recognition as well.
Somehow, I don’t think fame and fortunes would change this humble and grounded soul.
“Life is much more than having money and stuff,” Jandamarra said.
