FAQ — Buying Aboriginal Art with Scribblebark Studio
Welcome to our Aboriginal art FAQ. Here, we guide collectors, first-time buyers, and corporate clients through purchasing original paintings, fine art prints, commissions, and booking workshops or art experiences. Engage directly with Gija/Yamaji artist Deborah Bonar in Perth & Mandurah, WA and purchase with confidence while exploring Aboriginal art in its cultural context.
Whether you’re buying original artworks, fine art prints, commissioning a piece for personal, corporate, or RAP purposes, or attending a workshop, this FAQ is your complete guide.
First-Time Buyers & Collectors
Q1: How do I know the artwork is authentic Aboriginal art?
All original artworks at Scribblebark Studio are created directly by Gija/Yamaji artist Deborah Bonar. Original paintings come with a Certificate of Authenticity. Each piece is ethically created, signed, and traceable.
Q2: What’s the difference between original paintings and fine art prints?
- Original paintings: Unique, one-of-a-kind works on canvas or board.
- Fine Art Prints: High-quality reproductions of Deborah Bonar’s originals, produced in open editions. Prints faithfully capture every detail of the original work and are suitable for collectors, home or office display, or gifting.
Q3: How do I buy Aboriginal art online?
1. Browse Original Paintings or Fine Art Prints.2. Select your artwork and add to cart.3. Complete secure checkout.4. Receive shipping confirmation and tracking.
Fine Art Prints – Materials & Details
Q1: What materials are used for Fine Art Prints?
Fine art prints are produced on premium archival papers:
- Acid-Free 200gsm Fine Art Smooth Paper
- 300gsm Cotton Rag Fine Art Paper
Canvas prints are produced on 392gsm canvas, available in stretched or unstretched formats.
Q2: How long do prints last?
When displayed under glass and away from direct sunlight, prints have a lightfastness of over 200 years, ensuring long-lasting colour and vibrancy.
Q3: Are prints limited edition?
No. Fine art prints are produced in open editions, making high-quality art accessible while maintaining faithful reproduction of the original work.
Q4: Who produces the prints?
All prints are professionally produced by a printer specialist to ensure colour accuracy, detail, and archival longevity.
Buyers Interested in Commissions
Q1: Can I commission a custom artwork?
Yes! We offer personal, corporate, and RAP commissions. Commissions are tailored to your space, theme, and budget. Each commission includes consultation, concept development, and a finished original artwork.
Q2: How does the commissioning process work?
- Initial Enquiry: Share your ideas and intended use.
- Quote & Timeline: Receive a cost estimate and expected delivery schedule.
- Concept Sketches: Optional preview for feedback.
- Final Artwork: Delivered ready to display or install.
Q3: What is a RAP commission?
RAP (Reconciliation Action Plan) commissions are bespoke artworks for corporate or public spaces aligned with your organisation’s cultural engagement initiatives.
Workshops & Art Experiences
Q1: Can I book an Aboriginal art workshop?
Yes. Scribblebark Studio offers interactive workshops for schools, corporate teams, and private groups. Learn painting techniques, explore Aboriginal culture, and create your own artwork under guidance.
Q2: What do workshops include?
- Introduction to Aboriginal art and culture
- Hands-on painting session
- Materials provided
- Take-home artwork
Shipping, Returns & Care
Q1: How is artwork shipped?
- Original artworks 30 x 30 cm or smaller are shipped in custom protective packaging.
- Original artworks larger than 30 x 30 cm are carefully removed from stretcher bars and shipped in a rolled protective container for safe and easy transport.
- Fine art prints are rolled or flat-packed depending on size to ensure protection during shipping.
Q2: Can I return an artwork?
We accept returns for damaged or mis-shipped items. Commissions are non-refundable once work has begun.
Q3: How do I care for my artwork?
- Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading.
- Dust lightly with a soft, dry cloth.
- For prints, framing behind glass is recommended.
Pricing & Budgeting
Q1: How much do artworks cost?
- Original paintings: Starting at $380 – $15,000, depending on size and complexity.
- Fine art prints: $83 – $1,400, depending on format and materials.
- Commissions: Vary based on scale and requirements; personalised quotes provided.
Q2: Are there options for corporate budgets?
Yes. We can create custom corporate or RAP projects within your budget. Contact us for a quote.
Why Buy Direct from Scribblebark Studio?
- Authentic artworks by Gija/Yamaji artist Deborah Bonar in Perth & Mandurah, WA
- 100% Aboriginal-owned independent studio
- Secure online shopping & delivery across Australia
- Access to custom commissions, workshops, and fine art prints
Artist Bio – Deborah Bonar
Deborah Bonar is a Contemporary Aboriginal artist with cultural connections to Gija Country in the East Kimberley and Yamaji Country in Western Australia. Her artwork celebrates the strength and beauty of these landscapes through vibrant abstracts rich with movement, colour, and layered symbolism.
Deborah creates expressive compositions using bold acrylics, glowing pigments, and natural ochres, capturing the emotional rhythms of Country—seasonal changes, travel paths, watercourses, and shifting light. Her work reflects personal experience and ancestral memory, weaving together cultural identity and contemporary visual storytelling.
Her paintings have been exhibited widely across Western Australia, and her art appears in private, public, and corporate collections. Deborah continues to explore new forms of visual expression through Scribblebark Studio, where she produces original works and commissions for collectors around the world.