Abstract Art with Heart, Heritage, and Storytelling.

Show 'N' Tell Art Trail

Discover the Vibrant World of Deborah Bonar's Portfolio

Public Contemporary Aboriginal Art

Explore Deborah Bonar’s Show ’N’ Tell Art Trail, featuring public and outdoor contemporary Aboriginal artworks across Western Australia. These installations share visual stories of Country, movement and memory through large-scale abstraction and community engagement.

Storytelling Through Landscape and Movement

Journey through a selection of previous artworks by Deborah Bonar, paintings woven with stories, emotions, and exploration of connections to land in modern Australia. Here is an insight into where it all started with my artist journey of earlier artworks. Click on painting image to load gallery. Learn and explore the Stories to these painting by the artist, click here to load stories.
Perth based Aboriginal contemporary artist Deborah Bonar has completed numerous Public Art Commissions, Corporate Art Workshops and School Community Art projects during her artistic career, click on the links below to see.

See Deborah Bonar's Community Art Projects - Portfolio

Be inspired by the amazing selection of previous community artworks with Deborah Bonar of Scribblebark through the eyes of the corporate world and in school communities.

Where you can see Contemporary Aboriginal Artist Deborah Bonar's Public Art Projects around Perth, Western Australia.
Creating artworks that bring communities together and visually enrich the surrounding area. Flyer to visit 4 Public Art Locations. Download free flyer.pdf
  • Rainbow Sunset, 2019
    Child and Adolescent Health Services, Perth Children's Hospital, located at the entrance to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
    Giant Teacup Sculpture, 2018
    Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea Project commission by Lendlease. Sculpture with the local community at Joondalup City Shopping Centre.
    Moon & Pebbles Dolphins, 2018
    Two life-size dolphin sculptures for the Big Splash WA, Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation to raise awareness for children/youth mental health.
  • Pundulmurra Landscape, 2017
    Percent for Art Project, for the Pundulmurra Health and Community Services Training Centre, Pilbara Institute, in South Hedland.
    Birth Place and Childbirth, 2015
    Percent for Art Project, created 2 major artworks, Birth Place & Childbirth, for St John of God Midland Public and Private Hospitals, Maternity Ward.
    Healing and Wellbeing, 2014
    Percent for Art Project, for the South Metropolitan Area Health Service where the four paintings are displayed in Armadale Hospital.
  • Welcome to Country, 2014
    Percent for Art Project, Commission with 3 other artists, Wendy Hayden, Joanna Robertson & Ella Taylor, for the entrance to Fiona Stanley Hospital.
    The Munday Wall, 2012
    Collaboration with 2 other artists, Wendy Hayden and Joanna Robertson, for Cooling Brothers glass company, a 9.6 x 7.6 metre glass mural.
    Port Coogee-Beeliar Boodjar, 2013
    Major commission for Australand in collaboration with two other artists, Wendy Hayden and Joanna Robertson. The artists’ team created 7 designs.
  • Living Waters, 2014
    Collaboration with two other artists, Wendy Hayden and Joanna Robertson, for the City of Cockburn Integrated Health Facility, Success.
    Swan River Life, 2015
    Collaborative commission for Queens Riverside Q1 'Lily on Moreau' the art weaves stories of the Noongar people’s historic use of the Swan River.
    Portrait of Diversity, 2011
    Four collaborative artworks for the Nomad Two Worlds exhibition, during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Perth, WA.
Perth based Aboriginal contemporary artist Deborah Bonar has completed a number of Public Art Commissions during her artistic career, check it out in situ below in more detail about the process.
Rainbow Sunset, 2019 commissioned for the Child and Adolescent Health Services, Perth Children's Hospital, located at the entrance to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. A 1.5 x 1m acrylic painting on canvas.Giant Teacup Sculpture, 2018 Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea Project commission by Lendlease. A community project to paint vibrant designs and dots onto a Giant Teacup Sculpture with the local community at Joondalup City Shopping Centre. Acrylic on fibreglass giant teacup sculpture measuring 164 x 213cm.Moon & Pebbles Dolphin Sculptures, 2018 A community project to paint vibrant designs and dots onto two life-size dolphin sculptures for the Big Splash WA campaign for the Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation to raise awareness for children and youth mental health. Percent for Art Project, Pundulmurra Landscape, 2017 for the Pundulmurra Health and Community Services Training Centre, Pilbara Institute, in South Hedland. A 2.6m x 45cm acrylic on Belgian linen artwork reproduced onto external glass panels of the courtyard wall integrated into the building.Percent for Art Project, created two major artworks, Birth Place and Childbirth, 2015 for St John of God Midland Public and Private Hospitals, Maternity Ward. Both acrylic on Belgian linen paintings measuring 3.65 x 1m.Percent for Art Project, Healing and Wellbeing, 2014 for the South Metropolitan Area Health Service where the four paintings are displayed in Armadale Hospital.
Through collaboration, Aboriginal artist Deborah Bonar has created notable public artworks: Welcome to Country, 2014 for the Fiona Stanley Hospital; the Munday Wall, 2012 at Cooling Brothers; the Port Coogee-Beeliar Boodja, 2013 artwork for Australand; Living Waters, 2014 for Cockburn Integrated Health; and Swan River Life, 2015 for Fraser's Property Queens Riverside Q1.
Portrait of Diversity, 2011 Commissioned to complete four collaborative artworks for the Nomad Two Worlds exhibition, Portrait of Diversity displayed during the 2011 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Perth, Western Australia. She embellished four photographic portraits of migrants from different commonwealth countries.

Public Art

The Munday Wall – Cooling Brothers Glass Company

Deborah Bonar created an acrylic painting titled, Munday Swamp, in collaboration with two other artists, Wendy Hayden and Joanna Robertson, for Cooling Brothers, a premium glass company. The artwork is featured on a 9.6 x 7.6 metre glass mural The Munday Wall in front of their premises. Unveiling February 8, 2012.The theme of this artwork relates to the local wetlands adjacent to the Cooling Brothers building and the Aboriginal history, land use and significance of the Munday Swamp to the Beeloo Nyoongar clan.
The Munday Swamp, 2012 Artwork by Deborah Bonar, Wendy Hayden & Joanna Robertson 150 x 120cm, Acrylic on canvas
The Painting StoryThis painting represents the Munday Swamp wetlands, named after a Nyoongar elder who led the Beeloo clan who hunted and camped in this area. Munday, Yagan and Midgegooroo were warriors who joined forces and fought together against the Wadjula. They were declared outlaws and they had bounties placed on their heads in 1833. Yagan and Midgegooroo were killed, but Munday survived. He appealed and the bounty was later withdrawn.The wetlands and the woodlands around Munday Swamp had plenty of birds, animals, plants and trees. There were turtles, ducks, yabbies, frogs, wallabies, goanna and possum. There were banksias, wattles, paperbarks, gum trees and jarrah. Chips of quartz used by the Beeloo clan are still scattered around the site.In the painting, the background colours of rich greens and blues represent the wetlands. The largest circular shape is Munday Swamp. The brown and white patterns within this circle represent reeds.The red oval shape at the bottom left of the painting which contains one large and several small clusters of blue is where the people camped. Directly above this is a smaller oval which represents the gathering place of the people.The small blue-grey shapes are chips of quartz. The fine dots or “jewels” scattered throughout the painting symbolise the local people.

Moon & Pebbles, 2018

Dolphin Sculptures painted by Deborah Bonar with Perth's community

The Big Splash WA

A community project to paint vibrant designs and dots onto two life-size dolphin sculptures for the Big Splash WA campaign for the Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation to raise awareness for children and youth mental health.
Members of the community, adults and children contributed to the overall design during a series of interactive art workshops over four days painting dots. This Community Canvas was created on 22, 23, 24 & 25 January, 2018 with Deborah Bonar as 'Artist in Residence' down at Elizabeth Quays during The Big Splash WA South 32 Art Hub. Preliminary design by Deborah Bonar and Milly Herbert at the Scribblebark studio.
Moon, named after one of the dolphins that lives in the Swan River, an adult female who was first sighted and recorded by the River Guardians Dolphin Watch project in 2001.
Acrylic on fibreglass dolphin sculptures, 127 (h) x 230 (l) x 96 (w) cm.Pebbles, named after one of the dolphins that lives in the Swan River, adult male who was first sighted and recorded by the River Guardians Dolphin Watch project in 2009.

Giant Teacup Sculpture, 2018

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea Project commissioned by Lendlease

A community project to paint vibrant designs and dots onto a Giant Teacup Sculpture with Aboriginal Artist Deborah Bonar with the local community at Lakeside Joondalup Shopping City Centre. Community members of all ages participated in a series of interactive art workshops conducted over fours days on the 22, 23 ,24 May and 2 June 2018.
Acrylic on fibreglass giant teacup sculpture measuring 164 high x 213cm wide including handle.The Giant Teacup Sculpture was created to raise awareness of the Cancer Council through Australia's Biggest Morning Tea. Preliminary design by Deborah Bonar and Milly Herbert during preparation of artwork.
Giant Teacup Sculpture, 2018 Artwork by Deborah Bonar with community

Healing and Wellbeing, 2014 Percent for Art Project for the South Metropolitan Area Health Service where the four paintings are displayed in Armadale Hospital.

This series of paintings titled Healing and Wellbeing illustrates the link between health and the social, emotional and cultural wellbeing of Aboriginal people. Artist Deborah Bonar completed the four large acrylic paintings titled – Birth, Ageing, Strong Women and Bush Medicine in 2014 with the unveiling February 7.These paintings are featured in a brochure to publicise the WA Government's Percent For Art Scheme. Healing and Wellbeing SMHS brochure.pdf

Rainbow Sunset, 2019

Artwork by Deborah Bonar

Perth Children's Hospital

This artwork titled Rainbow Sunset was commissioned for the Child and Adolescent Health Services, Perth Children's Hospital, located at the entrance to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. A 1.5 x 1m acrylic painting on canvas.
The Painting Story In the Dreamtime, Goolarbool the powerful Rainbow Serpent created the rivers, billabongs and waterholes of Gija country and filled them with water containing spirit children. The spirit children changed into animals that lived around the waterholes. Before a child is conceived, a particular animal appears to the father, or sometimes to the mother, in a dream. The spirit child leaves the animal and enters the mother's womb. That animal becomes the child's totem and he or she will have a strong spiritual connection to the animal, the waterhole and the surrounding country that their spirit came from.

Pundulmurra Landscape

Percent for Art Project - Pundulmurra Health and Community Services Training Centre, Pilbara Institute

Aboriginal artist Deborah Bonar created this public art commission for the Pundulmurra Health and Community Services Training Centre, Pilbara Institute, in South Hedland. A 2.6m x 45cm acrylic on Belgian linen artwork reproduced onto external glass panels of the courtyard wall integrated into the building.The aim of this project was to create original artwork in a way that will provide an inspiring and stimulating experience for clients, staff and visitors to the campus making the location an interactive, supportive and engaging environment promoting health and wellbeing in mind, body and spirit through education and knowledge. Pundulmurra Health and Community Services Training Centre brochure.pdf
Pundulmurra Landscape, 2017 Artwork by Deborah Bonar 2.6m x 45cm, Acrylic on Belgian linen
The Painting StoryA bird's eye view of the landscape on which Pundulmurra stands, featuring the essential elements of fire, air, water, earth. The fiery heat of the sun. The warmth and comfort of the campfire at night.The air we breathe, and the four winds forming cyclones which rage and rotate over the land in the wet season.Water fills the oceans, rivers, waterholes and billabongs. Salt is extracted from the sea, crystallised and stockpiled. Turtles emerge from the ocean to nest in the sand and the hatchlings return to the water.The earth nurtures us and provides food, shelter and material resources. Iron ore is mined from the pindan heart of the country.

Welcome to Country

Percent for Art Project - Fiona Stanley Hospital

Deborah Bonar was commissioned with three other artists, Wendy Hayden, Joanna Robertson and Ella Taylor, to create public artwork for the entrance to the new Fiona Stanley Hospital. This included a 2.45 x 3.3 metres ochre and mixed media painting on canvas titled Welcome to Country plus sixteen metres of artwork reproduced on glass.The theme for both artworks relates to the site of the hospital and its significance to the local Nyoongar people. It features grasses and plants, insects and small creatures from the local wetlands.
Welcome to Country, 2014
Artwork by Deborah Bonar, Wendy Hayden, Ella Taylor & Joanna Robertson
The Artwork StoryThe five stalks on this painting represent the five regions of Western Australia: the Kimberley, the Pilbara, the Goldfields, the Midwest and the Southwest. The motifs on the stalks represent regional landscapes, seeds, corals, fauna and the Stolen Generation.This artwork features abstract grasses and plants with small creatures and insects hidden in the stems. The names of all Aboriginal language groups in Western Australia are incorporated into the design to represent them and to provide a visual welcome.

Living Waters

Cockburn Integrated Health Facility

Deborah Bonar created this public art commission in collaboration with two other artists, Wendy Hayden and Joanna Robertson, for the City of Cockburn Integrated Health Facility in 2014. They created a large acrylic painting titled Living Waters, which was photographed in high detail and then printed onto glass panels, forming the sides and ceiling of the two airlock entranceways.
Living Waters, 2014
Cockburn Integrated Health Facility
Artwork by Deborah Bonar, Wendy Hayden, and Joanna Robertson
The Painting StoryThe painting represents both land and water movements, which represents life. Without water ”Kaip” (water) there is no life. The health centre represents movement, a helpline for people in need, knowledge, health and unified body working together and so the painting depicts the whole structure of the cultural diversity.

Birth Place and Childbirth

Percent for Art - St John of God Midland Hospital, Maternity Ward

Deborah Bonar created two major artworks titled Birth Place and Childbirth, acrylic on Belgian linen, for the maternity entry corridor. Each painting measures 101 x 365cm.
Birth Place, 2015
Artwork by Deborah Bonar
101 x 365cm, Acrylic on Belgian linen
Childbirth, 2015
Artwork by Deborah Bonar
101 x 365cm, Acrylic on Belgian linen
The Painting's StoryThis painting represents the fertile Avon Valley and the numerous pools, winding streams and creeks flowing into the Avon River. After birth a child has a strong connection to the waters and the surrounding country their spirit came from.

Swan River Life

Frasers Property Queens Riverside Q1

Commissioned especially for Queens Riverside Q1 'Lily on Moreau' this large-scale vividly coloured contemporary artwork titled Swan River Life weaves personal stories and memories of the Noongar people’s historic use of the Swan River, and their strong connection to this land and water. The extraordinary artwork measuring 5.25metres by 30cm was painted collaboratively by Gija/Yamaji artist Deborah Bonar, Noongar artist Wendy Hayden and Irish/Australian artist Joanna Robertson.This public artwork is located on the external wall of the Queens Riverside Q1 residential building’s ground floor facing Moreau Parade. This artwork is highly visible from Moreau Parade and also from the public restaurant at Frasers Suites.The artwork is an integrated glass artwork with a vibrant daytime and night-time presence. The size of the artwork is approximately 21metres long x 2.1 metres high. The artwork is a long horizontal work which is dynamic with a sense of ‘flow or movement’ along the long horizontal format.
Swan River Life, 2015
Artwork by Deborah Bonar, Wendy Hayden, and Joanna Robertson
Acrylic on canvas
The Painting StoryFor thousands of years the Swan River teemed with life. There were herons wading in the shallows, pelicans fishing, swans and cygnets rippling the water, seagulls bickering and squabbling on the shore.Honeyeaters and wattlebirds flitted among the trees on the river banks, while noisy parrots settled like vibrant blossoms on the branches.Nyoongar families camped by the river, to hunt, fish and swim. Larger groups came together for ceremonies and social gatherings. They travelled the tracks and trade routes along the river banks and surrounding wetlands.The surroundings have dramatically changed, but this iconic river is an enduring link between past and present. Its beauty stills brings joy and pleasure to all who pass this way.

Port Coogee-Beeliar Boodjar – Australand

Deborah Bonar created this major public art commission for Australand in collaboration with two other artists, Wendy Hayden and Joanna Robertson. The artists’ team created stunning contemporary artwork comprising of seven separate pieces, reproduced in glass and installed in locations around the new estate at Port Coogee. The project included relocating and transplanting mature grass trees as living sculptures and it was completed in 2013.The artwork titled Port Coogee-Beeliar Boodjar represents the changing seasons, the land and the sea, the wetlands and woodlands and all the creatures who inhabit Beeliar Boodjar.
Port Coogee Beeliar Boodjar, 2013 Artwork by Deborah Bonar, Wendy Hayden & Joanna Robertson Acrylic on canvas, various
The Painting Stories Beeliar Boodjar This represents Beeliar Boodjar, the traditional country of the Beeliar people, which is now called the City of Cockburn. There were sixteen major campsites in the area, with ancient trails and trade routes linking the estuary and the freshwater wetlands. The wetlands are a rich source of food and medicine. The area has great spiritual and cultural significance to the Nyoongar people. Crossing Cockburn SoundThis represents Cockburn Sound: The ripples on the surface, gentle breeze, reflections and patterns. Beneath the surface the water teems with marine life, coral spawning in the ocean current, jellyfish, shoals of fish, prawns and crabs. Shallow WatersSand and shallow waters, filtered light, white shells, ribbons of seaweed, splashes of turquoise. The gentle rippling of waves over little fishes, crustaceans and stinger tentacles. The shallow waters are a gathering place for families to enjoy splashing, swimming and fishing in the summer heat. Hazy SummerDuring the searing heat of summer the skies are hazy and the lakes are dry. Small creatures, insects, lizards, snakes and other reptiles are moving about foraging to survive. They leave tracks across the dry lake beds in their constant search for water. GatheringAboriginal families and Elders gathered around the campfire to share food and pass on cultural knowledge, teach respect, discipline and caring for country. It is a place for laughter, yarning and settling disputes. The Wetlands in SpringIn spring the wetlands abound with yabbies, turtles, wild fowl and eggs for the Beeliar people. They hunt kangaroos and other small animals which foraged nearby. The blues and smoky greens represent the steamy, smouldering wetlands and surrounding woodlands. RegenerationThe bush comes alive with the wind whipping through branches, carrying the pods and seeds from burnt trees and plants. Insects and birds sing with joy. When the flowers are yellow the kangaroos are fat. This is the best time for hunting. Flowers, fruits and berries signal when certain animals and fish are plentiful.

Portrait of Diversity

Nomad Two Worlds

Deborah Bonar was commissioned to complete four artworks for the Nomad Two Worlds exhibition, Portrait of Diversity displayed during the 2011 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Perth, Western Australia. She embellished four photographic portraits of migrants from different commonwealth countries. The outdoor display in Murray & Hay Street Mall, Perth, Western Australia. Photographs from the opening of the exhibition.
Woman of Passion, 2011 60" x 40" Archival inkjet on canvas with acrylic applications. Photograph by Murray Hall. Collaborative art by Deborah Bonar. Portrait subject, Shaniquoa Elrington, Belize.
The Painting StoryThe subject is an attractive woman from Belize, with a mass of dark curls. I can see her as a woman of passion, vibrant and joyful, dancing in a carnival. I have used acrylics to paint an explosion of fireworks in her hair.
Tribal, 2011
60" x 40" Archival inkjet on canvas with ochre applications.
Photograph by Murray Hall. Collaborative art by Deborah Bonar. Portrait subject, Jacob Emmanuel, St Lucia.
The Painting StoryPeople of many cultures paint their faces and their bodies. This may be for hunting, ceremonial or religious reasons, to make themselves attractive, or as warriors preparing for battle.Tribal people use face painting to transform themselves for rituals, to show their status, to camouflage themselves for hunting, or to scare their enemies. They often used natural earth pigments, along with plant dyes, for face and body painting.The subject of this photograph is a man from Saint Lucia in the Caribbean. It is a close-up shot, with his eyes being the only features shown.I have used the four Aboriginal ochre colours, black, white, yellow and red on this canvas, because these are the traditional base colours used in my culture. I have used a minimalist approach, because so little of the subject's face is on view. I have given him a red headband with very simple circular motifs.
Hibiscus Girl, 2011
60" x 40" Archival inkjet on canvas with ochre applications.
Photograph by Andrew Miller. Collaborative art by Deborah Bonar. Portrait subject, Dorothy Lawrance, Solomon Islands.
The Painting StoryI followed the contours of her profile to mark out sections of the canvas to paint. I mixed soft-toned ochres in pinks and other pastel shades to give a sense of delicacy. I painted striated bands of colour and embellished them with several strands of white dots, echoing the white dots on the stamen of the hibiscus flower.I used the shape of the earring to symbolise a coolamon, which is painted with floral motifs.
Memories, 2011
60" x 40" Archival inkjet on canvas with acrylic and ochre applications.
Photograph by Andrew Miller. Collaborative art by Deborah Bonar. Portrait subject, Marcelline Newitt, Vanuatu.
The Painting StoryThe subject on this canvas is a lady from Vanuatu. There is a sense of mystery about her. She appears to be deep in thought. She seems slightly worried, or perhaps she is longing for something? Maybe she is thinking of home?When I was arranging the composition for this artwork, I looked at the contrast between the light and the shade on the photographic image. I had to work out where to apply the paint.I like to paint in vibrant acrylics, but I didn't want to overpower the image. I experimented with different colour combinations until I achieved the effect I wanted. I selected the negative space to the left side of the canvas to design the dominant artwork. I used the shadows and the silhouettes on the right side of the canvas to incorporate images of falling leaves, which I painted with natural earthy tones.The overall effect I was trying to achieve was to show the subject standing at a curtained window, with leaves falling outside. Although she is looking out, she isn't seeing the view, she is focused inwards, on her memories.
Enjoy cultural storytelling through samples of Aboriginal artist Deborah Bonar's artwork.

Saltwater

2015, acrylic on Belgian linen, 98 x 90.5cm
This landscape represents the mangroves, coral reefs and seagrass meadows of the Northwest.

Pink Diamonds

2014, ochre on canvas, 25 x 25cm
Rare and lovely pink diamonds are only found in the remote and rugged East Kimberley.

Ruby's Country

2013, acrylic on canvas, 122 x 76cm
This painting represents the heat and humidity of the wet season in Gija country in the East Kimberley, where my great grandmother, Ruby, was born. The women would gather bark, dry wood and leaves for a smoking ceremony for their babies. This made them strong and healthy and healed them when they were sick.

Swan Valley

2013, acrylic on Belgian linen, 31 x 31cm
The fertile Swan Valley, green meadows and vineyards, wetlands and campsites.

Araluen

2013, acrylic on Belgian linen, 31 x 31cm
Heaven in the hills. Flowing streams and waterfalls, a stunning botanical park featuring breathtakingly beautiful tulips, camellias and magnolias.

Magnetic Storm

2014, acrylic on Belgian linen, 102 x 72cm
Sizzling bolts of lightning and pulses of crackling thunder radiate from the sky in a sonic boom, while drumbeats of rain drown the land.

Seagrass Meadows

2013, acrylic on canvas, 20 x 20cm
Seagrass delicately dancing below the waves around Rottnest Island.

Orchids and Wisteria

2013, acrylic on canvas, 20 x 20cm
In spring, wildflowers burst into bloom. The bushland is sprinkled with spider orchids and native wisteria.

Walyalup

2012, acrylic on canvas, 31 x 31cm
Walyalup, where the fresh water of Derbarl Yerrigan, the Swan River, meets the ocean at Fremantle.

Mundaring

2013, acrylic on canvas, 31 x 31cm
Natural bushland, forests, open spaces, fresh air, native birds, animals and wildflowers. Mundaring Weir, Lake Leschenaultia, the Helena River. Magnificent sunrises and sunsets.Arts and crafts, roadside stalls, markets, fresh produce, fruit, vegetables, eggs and honey. What more could you possibly wish for?

Thermoclines

2012, acrylic on canvas, 30 x 21cm
This painting shows distinct layers of water at different temperatures in the ocean.

Everlastings and Canola Fields

2013, acrylic on canvas, 20 x 20cm
Blue sky day, everlastings and canola fields on the road to Mullewa.

Coastline

2013, acrylic on Belgian linen, 122 x 92cm
This painting represents the warmth and beauty of Cossack, the historic bluestone buildings, and the surrounding coastline. The mangroves, creeks, holes and sand bars in the estuary are perfect for fishing and catching mud crabs.

Mullaloo Beach

2012, acrylic on canvas, 34 x 34cm
Mullaloo is the Nyoongar word for the place of the rat kangaroo. Mullaloo beach is a popular swimming spot.

Home by the Swan River

2013, acrylic on canvas, 120 x 120cm
The river and surrounding wetlands were a rich source of food and material resources for the Nyoongar people.

Precious

2012, acrylic & ochre on canvas, 122 x 92cm
Iron ore and diamonds are mined from the rich red earth and rugged hills of the Pilbara and the East Kimberley. Waterholes, billabongs, pools and soaks are sprinkled in the desert sand hills. Water, the most precious jewel of all, gives life to the people, the animals, birds, insects and plants.

Campfire Cooking

2012, acrylic on Belgian linen, 31 x 31cm
Gija women cooking bush tucker round the campfire.

Aquatic Dance

2012, acrylic on canvas, 34 x 34cm
All the sea creatures, squid, jellyfish, coral, dance in the waves.

Thunder, Lightning and Rain

2011, acrylic on Belgian linen, 122 x 76cm
During cyclone season, the heavens open and send a flood of rain upon the land. Lightning crackles and sizzles and thunderclaps blast the air. I have use vibrant acrylics to capture the excitement and energy of the storm in a rainbow of colours.

Coral Coast

2012, acrylic on canvas, 30 x 21cm
The beautiful, unspoiled Indian Ocean coastline of WA.

Under a Desert Sky

2012, acrylic on canvas, 102 x 102cm
This painting is a collaboration between two artists, Deborah Bonar and Jo Darvall, from different cultural backgrounds, and different perspectives on life, the world and art. Artwork from The Bronzewing and Heartlands Collection.

Strong Women

2010, acrylic on linen, 122 x 41cm
Despite everything that has happened to them, Aboriginal women are strong, enduring and resilient. They nurture their children, their families and their communities and keep their culture strong.

One Mile Gully

2014, ochre on canvas, 25 x 25cm
My grandparents settled at the One Mile Gully in Wyndham and raised their family there.

Wildflowers of the Midwest 1

2012, acrylic on canvas, 31 x 31cm
This painting is a collaboration between two artists, Deborah Bonar and Jo Darvall, from different cultural backgrounds, and different perspectives on life, the world and art. Artwork from The Bronzewing and Heartlands Collection.

Little Gecko

2010, oil on canvas, 21 x 31cm

Cyclone Season

2011, acrylic on Belgian linen, 122 x 76cm
This painting won the 2011 Cossack Art Awards (WA Indigenous Artist Category Award).

Murrin Murrin

2010, ochre on board, 69 x 21cm

Country Music

2010, acrylic & ochre on violin with case,
This artwork features the East Kimberley. The front portrays Purnululu (the Bungle Bungles) and the back portrays a sea turtle and barramundi. Invited to donate artwork Country Music, to the Perth Modern School to raise funds in their Artstrings auction.

Velvet Night

2009, oil on linen, 62 x 21cm
The heat of the day has finally drifted away leaving a still velvet night with the scent of frangipani blossoms in the air.

Thorny Devil

2009, acrylic on canvas, 21 x 31cm

Scarborough Beach

2014, acrylic on Belgian linen, 97 x 97cm

Prismatic Sea

2009, acrylic on canvas, 122 x 41cm
This painting captures the essence of my grandmother Ivy's country in the East Kimberley. The colours of the Bungle Bungles, the red pindan, the mangroves and mud flats and the magnificent crimson sunsets over the turquoise sea.

Geraldton Wax

2006, acrylic on canvas, 120 x 90cm

Wildflower Season

2010, oil on canvas, 30 x 30cm

Bushfire Banksia

2006, acrylic on canvas, 120 x 90cm

Old Man Crocodile

2009, ochre on canvas, 21 x 31cm
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About Scribblebark Studio
Scribblebark Studio is the home of Contemporary Aboriginal Abstract Art by Gija (East Kimberley) and Yamaji (Mid-West Western Australia) artist Deborah Bonar. Based in Perth and Mandurah, Deborah creates vibrant acrylic and ochre paintings that honour her cultural connections to Country through colour, movement, and layered abstraction. Collectors can explore a curated range of original artworks, open-edition prints, and custom Aboriginal art commissions tailored for residential, corporate, and community spaces. Scribblebark Studio proudly supports ethical, authentic First Nations art practices. Shipping is available across Perth, Peel Region, Western Australia, Australia, and internationally.
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Perth - Mandurah, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Artist serving Perth, Mandurah, Rockingham, and greater Western Australia.
Scribblebark Studio acknowledges the Whadjuk and Bindjareb Noongar peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands where the studio is located. We also honour the Gija people of the East Kimberley and the Yamaji peoples of the Mid-West, from whom artist Deborah Bonar descends. We pay deep respect to Elders past and present, and celebrate the enduring strength, culture, and stories of First Nations communities across Western Australia.
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