The artist
Sandra Kropinyeri (Kirby) was born and raised on Wamba Wemba Country with connections also to Wadi Wadi, Mutti Mutti, Wiradjuri, Yorta Yorta, Wotjoblik and Taungurung.
Sandra comes from a family of artists who have inspired her throughout her life in all mediums including painting, emu egg carving, woodwork, burning designs, photography and using natural materials to create.
Photography has always been Sandra’s main artform, ever since she first used a disposable camera as a teenager to capture everything of interest.
In recent years, Sandra created work using these skills to capture special moments for individuals and families.
In 2012, Sandra tried acrylic painting and sold her first artwork in the Kerang Rotary Art Exhibition.
From that moment on Sandra has been working on her art after hours while spending time with her children and family.
Most of her work represents life along the river, land and animals and all the emotions that come with everyday living and life experiences.
She likes to explore all forms of art and has experience in acrylic, watercolour, pen, pencil, digital, photography, clay, wood, possum skin work and mixed media.
Sandra has exhibited locally including commissioned pieces on display in Swan Hill and surrounding areas.
The artwork
This artwork's title is ‘Tyaler’ (pronounced cha-ler), which is a Wamba Wemba word meaning ‘branch’. Tyaler was designed to represent Consumer Affairs Victoria and the services it provides.
The 7 colours of the leaves and wattle on the branch represent the 7 values. Each colour relates to a specific value:
- Responsiveness – Orange
- Integrity – Indigo
- Impartiality – Green
- Accountability – Blue
- Respect – Purple
- Leadership – Red
- Human Rights – Yellow
The branches extending into the background show the diverse network of services that Consumer Affairs Victoria provides and that connect together to support communities across Victoria, which are represented by the white circles.