A Bit About Me
My name is Tana Kickett and I am a very proud Noongar woman with connections to the Ballardong and Whadjuk clans of the South West of Western Australia. Whilst I was born in Perth I have lived and worked in the Pilbara on Ngarluma land for the past 24 years. I am married to an amazing man who always supports me with everything I choose to do. We have three kids, who although drive me mad some days, are my absolute world.
I have always loved drawing, painting, writing and creating ever since I was little. As I have grown older I have come to realise that artwork not only gives me great freedom in expressing myself but has also allowed me to connect with my culture. My paintings include symbols, patterns and messages that tell a story. Creating gives me the opportunity to pass on knowledge about my culture through the language, stories, people and our connection to the land.
Along with my passion for Art, I also have a passion for my work. I am currently working full time to complete a 4 year Electrical Instrumentation Apprenticeship. After becoming a Mum so young, I never had the time and capacity to do it earlier in life and I am so grateful for the opportunity to do it now. The work and life balance as a working Mum is hard sometimes but chasing my goals is incredibly rewarding.
I have always been extremely proud of who I am and where my family come from. My Dad Larry was born in the Wheatbelt town of Tammin, a two hour drive East of Perth. He was born in a tent as back in the 60’s there were strict curfews in place and he lived with his family on the outskirts of town. My Dad met my Mum Nerida in the 70’s through work at a bank. Like my Dad, my Mum also had something special about her. Mum worked very hard from very humble beginnings and never let the opinions of others sway her decisions in anything she chose to do. Although they are no longer married, they both have beautiful partners and they remain very close friends. I mention my Mum and Dad because they have been the biggest influences on my life. They are not only kind, humble, generous and caring people, they are hard workers having both faced adversities in their lives with nothing but courage and kindness. They are wonderful role models in every way.
The support from the ones who love me and the lessons they have taught, give me a great source of inspiration. I hope to share my cultural pride and connection through my art with not only my own children but all future generations both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. I am extremely proud to be a part of the oldest living culture in the world and I look forward to sharing my stories.