I‘m Reece George, a Martu artist whose roots reach deep into the red earth of Western Australia. Now calling Woodstock, New South Wales home, I carry with me the vibrant storytelling traditions of my people and the indelible memories of Beyondie Cattle Station where I was raised.
My path weaves together different worlds. With doctorates in Marketing and Information Technology, I spent years researching Indigenous knowledge systems, exploring how our cultural wisdom could shape modern approaches to marketing and digital design. But the canvas called me home. I chose to step away from academia to fully embrace my artistic calling, guided not by formal Western art education but by Indigenous ways of learning—through relationships, lived experiences, and the quiet wisdom of Country.
I paint as my ancestors did, letting stories flow through my hands. My work dances between traditional Martu techniques and contemporary expression, where intricate dot work meets figurative forms. The faces that emerge on my canvases—particularly those of my Martu family—carry the spirits of our ancestors, speaking of identity, kinship, and our profound connection to the land.
Each piece I create is both a celebration and an invitation. As a ‘free-range’ Aboriginal artist, I draw inspiration from the everyday beauty around me, transforming traditional knowledge into contemporary visual stories. My artwork, now found in private and public collections, serves as a bridge between worlds—honouring our past while embracing the present.
Through my art, I share more than images; I share the heart of Martu culture. Every brushstroke carries the stories of my people, offering viewers a glimpse into our ways of knowing and being. This is my contribution to our continuing story—a story of resilience, adaptation, and the enduring power of cultural connection.
From Pixels to Paint: My Creative Process
My journey as an artist is uniquely shaped by my background in human-computer interaction. Just as I once crafted website prototypes to test new features, I now approach my canvas with the same spirit of rapid experimentation and fearless iteration.
In the digital world, I learned that you don’t need to build an entire website to test a single button. Similarly, I’ve embraced what I call “lo-fi art” – a style that prioritizes capturing the essence of an idea over polished perfection. My mind brims with endless creative possibilities, and this approach lets me bring them to life efficiently and authentically.
I celebrate the raw energy of experimentation, letting “mistakes” become part of the artistic conversation. These apparent imperfections often evolve into the most interesting elements of my work. Every brush stroke is an iteration, every canvas a prototype, and every piece tells the story of its own creation.
This intersection of technology and art has taught me that true creativity thrives in the space between perfect and unfinished. My work invites viewers to experience this dynamic process, where each piece captures a moment of artistic exploration.
Education
Ph.D. in Marketing, Charles Sturt University, 2020
Dissertation Title: “Indigenous Australian Perspectives in Social Marketing”
Ph.D. in Information Technology, The University of Newcastle, 2012
Dissertation Title: “Capturing Cultural Requirements in the Design of a Website for an Aboriginal Community”
Bachelor’s Degree in Computing, James Cook University, 2000
Skills
Languages:
- Proficient in Pidgin English.
- Knowledgeable in Martu language, including several keywords and phrases.
Technical Skills:
- Proficiency with information technologies, research software, and data analysis tools.
- Expertise in Indigenous research methodologies, including community-based participatory research.
- Experienced in user-centred design, particularly in the context of culturally sensitive and inclusive digital platforms.
- Expertise in social marketing techniques and culturally sensitive communication strategies.
Interpersonal Skills:
- Proven ability to collaborate with Indigenous communities to capture and translate cultural requirements into technical specifications.
- Skilled in applying decolonizing research methodologies and ensuring respectful and culturally appropriate interactions with Indigenous communities.
Awards and Honors
1st Indigenous lead author to be published in The Journal of Marketing.
Professional Affiliations
- The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS): Member
- Indigenous Art Code: Artist Member
- Aboriginal Art Association of Australia: Artist Member
