RAP Artwork Commissions
Heading
Deborah Bonar creates custom RAP artworks for organisations seeking culturally meaningful contemporary Aboriginal art. Each piece draws on her cultural connection to Gija and Yamaji Country and the colour, rhythm and movement of Western Australia’s landscapes.
These bespoke artworks incorporate layered abstraction to express themes of growth, collaboration, journey and community, supporting RAP values through authentic visual storytelling.
Deborah Bonar — Scribblebark Studio
Gija/Yamaji artist creating contemporary abstract and ochre-based RAP artworks, cultural motifs, and visual identity pieces for corporate and government clients.
Scribblebark Studio creates meaningful, culturally guided artwork for organisations across Western Australia. Each piece is developed through a respectful and collaborative process, bringing together colour, narrative and connection to Country.
Whether you’re developing a Reflect, Innovate, Stretch or Elevate RAP, I create artwork that supports your reconciliation commitments and strengthens your organisation’s visual identity. The Commission includes the original painting and a very high resolution digital image + other image size formats, with a Standard Licence for usage rights to use in RAP documents, websites, presentations and internal communications.
RAP Artwork + Cultural Design Services
Contemporary Aboriginal Art & Visual Identity by Deborah Bonar
Who We Are
Based in Western Australia (Perth / Mandurah), Scribblebark Studio is led by Gija & Yamaji artist Deborah Bonar — a contemporary visual artist creating culturally informed artwork that speaks to identity, Country, connection, and place.
With experience across corporate, community, and private commissions, Scribblebark Studio offers bespoke art solutions tailored to organisational priorities such as Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs), workplace environments, and public communications.
What We Deliver
Custom RAP Artwork• Original artwork and abstract narratives• Culturally grounded visual language• Colour harmony for printed and digital formats
Digital Artwork• High-resolution files for use in RAP reports
Cultural Statement & Interpretation• Artist narrative and artwork context• Artwork meaning summary suitable for publication
How We Work
ConsultWe begin with a discovery consultation to understand your RAP values, audience, and visual requirements.
ConceptInitial conceptual ideas and colour studies are developed for your feedback.
CreateThe artwork is created with cultural integrity, aesthetic clarity, and visual impact.
DeliverThe high-resolution digital files, story summary, usage guide, and the original artwork are delivered in the agreed format with usage licensing.
Why Choose Scribblebark
✔ Direct collaboration with an experienced Aboriginal artist
✔ Respectful process led by cultural knowledge and creative expertise
✔ Artwork that enhances visual identity and supports your RAP narrative
✔ Professional delivery for original artwork and digital usage
Contact
Scribblebark Studio (Perth / Mandurah, WA)
deborah@scribblebark.com.au
Contact for enquiries, briefs, and commission discussions
Scribblebark Studio — RAP Artwork Capability Statement
Artist: Deborah Bonar
Cultural Connections: Gija (East Kimberley) & Yamaji (Mid-West WA)
Location: Perth / Mandurah, Western Australia
About the ArtistDeborah Bonar is a Contemporary Aboriginal artist known for vibrant abstract paintings that reflect the movement, colour, and energy of Country. Her work blends cultural knowledge with expressive mark-making, creating visual narratives that honour Gija and Yamaji Country, and the landscapes of Western Australia.
RAP Artwork ServicesScribblebark Studio develops bespoke cultural artworks for organisations seeking meaningful and culturally respectful visuals for their Reconciliation Action Plans (RAP).
Services include:
- RAP artwork creation in the form of an original painting
- Cultural storytelling visuals & iconography in work
- Supply digital image of the painting for Internal & external communications artwork
- Artwork for corporate spaces, offices, foyers, boardrooms
- Digital licensing for RAP documents, websites & brand materials
- Community-engaged art projects
Approach & Cultural IntegrityDeborah shares only the parts of story she is culturally permitted to express. Each artwork is developed through a respectful and collaborative process that prioritises authenticity, cultural safety, and meaningful visual storytelling.
Why Choose Scribblebark Studio
- Direct artist engagement — no gallery commissions
- Strong experience creating cultural narratives for corporate audiences
- Distinctly contemporary, vibrant, and abstract visual style
- Clear communication and professional delivery
- Well-established WA-based practice with local cultural knowledge
Deliverables
- Custom original artwork
- Digital files (print & web)
- Artwork story & interpretation
- Certificate of Authenticity
Professional Bio (150 Words)
Deborah Bonar is a Gija (East Kimberley) and Yamaji (Mid-West) Contemporary Aboriginal artist based in Perth and Mandurah, Western Australia. Her vibrant abstract paintings and Fine Art Prints express the colours, textures and emotional energy of Country. Deborah’s practice draws on cultural memory, landscape rhythms and the movement of water, seasons and pathways. Her work is known for its layered compositions, bold palettes and contemporary interpretations of traditional connections to land.
Deborah has exhibited across Western Australia, including Revealed (as a artworker) and NAIDOC exhibitions, and her artworks appear in private, public and corporate collections. She also leads Aboriginal art workshops and creates bespoke commissions for collectors, organisations and community groups.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
How to Commission a RAP Artwork
A clear step-by-step guide for organisations approaching an artist
STEP 1
Clarify the Purpose
Define the purpose of the artwork for your RAP:
- Where will it appear? (report, website, office space, signage)
- What message should it convey? (connection to land, unity, reconciliation)
- Size, format, and deliverables needed (digital files, mural, print, painting)
Step 2
Identify Suitable Artists
Search for artists whose style, cultural background, and experience align with your RAP vision.
Assess:
- Cultural nations / connection
- Experience with corporate or public commissions
- Visual style (abstract, narrative, contemporary, minimal, etc.)
Step 3
Initiate Contact
Reach out professionally with:
- Project brief
- Intended timeline
- Budget range
- Usage rights you require
Ask about:
- Availability
- Licensing (digital and print rights)
- Pricing and payment terms
- Expected deliverables (dimensions, formats, physical/digital)
Step 4
Cultural Protocol & Respect
Ensure the artist is comfortable with your project’s intentions.
- Respect storytelling limits — artists may not share all cultural knowledge publicly.
- Avoid telling artists “what to paint” — invite their cultural expertise.
- Discuss permissions and cultural protocols early.
Step 5
Contract & Agreement
A written agreement should include:
✔ Scope of work✔ Timelines and milestones✔ Fees and payment schedule✔ Usage rights / copyright ownership✔ Delivery format(s)✔ Licensing terms (digital / promotional / internal use / reproduction)
Step 6
Artwork Creation Process
- Artist develops initial concept sketches
- Organisation provides feedback (within agreed scope)
- Final artwork delivered in agreed formats
- Artist may provide a statement of meaning or cultural caption
Step 7
Integration into RAP
- Include artist bio + artwork statement in the RAP document
- Credit artist cultural nation / country / stylistic context
- Use artwork consistently with the artist’s guidance and license.
Tips for Commissioning a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Artwork
PART 2 - H0W TO COMMISSION A RAP ARTWORK
(Guide for Corporations)
1. Understand the Purpose of the RAP Artwork
A RAP artwork is more than visual decoration — it represents cultural values, partnerships, history, and future commitments. It must honour Country, culture, and lived experience.
2. Choose an Aboriginal Artist or Studio
Select an artist whose style aligns with your brand, values, and community connections.Consider:
- Cultural Country / mob of the artist
- Their visual style (symbolic, abstract, illustrative)
- Experience with RAP storytelling
- Their availability & process
3. Provide Background Information
Share:
- Your organisation’s values & vision
- RAP category (Reflect, Innovate, Stretch, Elevate)
- Key themes or commitments
- Any cultural pillars
- How the artwork will be used (digital, print, office, uniforms, etc.)
4. Collaborate Respectfully
The artist leads the cultural narrative.Provide direction, not instructions — the artwork must remain authentic, culturally safe, and artist-led.
5. Artwork Development
The artist typically provides:
- A creative brief summary
- Concept sketches or mood references
- Colour palette options
- Draft artwork (if the process allows — some artists work intuitively)
- Final artwork in required formats
6. Usage Rights (Very Important)
- Make sure the agreement covers:
- Original artwork ownership
- Copyright (usually retained by the artist)
- Licensing for digital use
- Licensing for RAP documents, websites, posters
- Any expanded usage (uniforms, vehicle wraps, signage)
7. Delivery & Implementation
Final files may include:
- High-resolution digital scans
- Print-ready files
- A visual story description for RAP publications
- Optional branding rollouts or graphic design
8. Acknowledgement & Cultural Respect
- Always credit the artist and include cultural acknowledgements when displaying the artwork.
.jpg "Beautiful Ocean Beaches")
Down To Earth
2014, ochre on canvas, 36 x 36cm
The landscape has changed so much over the past 200 years with modern buildings and technology, but just beneath the surface is the same earth our elders walked on.
This painting won the 2015 City of Belmont Art and Photographic Awards (Perth Airport Prize for Aboriginal Art).
.jpg "Down To Earth")