'Two Worlds, One Journey' - Salty One x Bundjalung Dreaming - LIMITED EDITION PRINTS

LIMITED EDITION PRINTS

Created on Bundjalung Country | Collaboration with Salty One | Printed on Canva Paper | Framed Tas Oak Float Frame | Shipping & GST included

Artwork:
Salty One X Bundjalung Dreaming Collaboration

Artwork title:

‘Two Worlds, One Journey’ 

 Salty One artwork description:

I created Two Worlds, One Journey on Bundjalung Country at Tallebudgera Creek. This work is a story of persistence, courage, and the delicate balance of navigating between two worlds. One is my cultural world a world that roots me in heritage, identity, and the living spirit of Country. The other is the modern world we move through each day. This artwork reflects the journey of carrying both, of finding harmony between them, and of fusing the old and the new to live fully without losing who I am.

This work grew from a collaboration with Bundjalung Dreaming, nurtured over years of friendship and brotherhood. Our paths reconnected, forming a strong foundation for this project. Being welcomed by Steve and his family at Burleigh Headland was more than guidance it was a heartfelt invitation into Country. I am deeply grateful to Uncle Steve Cora for his warm Welcome to Country and Smoking ceremony, which set the spirit and intention for this work.

I spent hours moving across the sand with my feet, guided by rhythm, memory, and ancestral knowledge. The tide, the wind, and the shifting light became my partners in creation, shaping the work in dialogue with Country. Each mark is a gesture of respect, a whisper to the old people, a reminder of identity, responsibility, and resilience.

Though the artwork exists only briefly before returning to the land, capturing it from above through drone photography preserves its scale, its patterns, and its story. It becomes a moment frozen in time, a visual echo of connection, culture, and the journeys we carry within us. In this work, I honour the past, embrace the present, and look forward with hope fusing two worlds into one journey.

Bundjalung Dreaming Artist Bio:

Steven Bekue is a proud Bundjalung, Yuggera, and Bidjara man, born and raised on the Gold Coast. Growing up alongside his two brothers and sister, he now raises three children of his own in the same region.

A Saltwater man, Steven developed a deep spiritual connection to the coastal lands of the Bundjalung Nation, spending his childhood crabbing, fishing, and oystering with uncles, brothers, and cousins. The saltwater continues to provide him with healing and a sense of strong cultural connection.

Inspired by family members who created remarkable Indigenous artwork, Steven began painting in 2017. His work tells the stories of his culture and the land he grew up on. Beyond celebrating Aboriginal culture, his art has also served as a source of personal healing and expression, helping him navigate challenges such as depression.

Through his practice, Steven is committed to sharing his culture, educating others, and contributing to keeping Aboriginal traditions and stories strong and alive.

Bundjalung Dreaming artwork description:

Two Worlds, One Journey represents the balance of walking between worlds while staying anchored in Culture, Country, and identity. It speaks to trusting in our Songlines, the paths laid down by our Ancestors, and knowing who we are as Aboriginal people no matter where life takes us.

My artwork, as part of this collaboration, represents the shared journey of connection, learning, and respect between people, culture, and place. It reflects the coming together of stories, perspectives, and creative voices, united through a deep respect for Culture and Country.

Flowing Songlines move through the artwork, symbolising guidance, movement, and connection. They remind us that our journeys are never walked alone, and that the knowledge of our old people continues to guide our steps forward.

The eagle sits above as a powerful protector, watching over, guiding, and offering strength and clarity. It represents vision, leadership, and the responsibility to care for those who walk beneath its wings.

The stars reflect our Ancestors and old people, reminding us that they are always present, walking alongside us, watching over us, and lighting the way forward. They connect past, present, and future, reinforcing that everything is intertwined.

Natural ochre from Jellurgal has been respectfully used within the artwork to physically and spiritually connect the piece back to Country. This grounding element honours place, story, and the ongoing responsibility of keeping culture strong.

Two Worlds, One Journey is a reflection of connection between land and water, past and future, spirit and self, and a reminder that no matter how many worlds we move through, we always return to who we are.

Location: This artwork was created on Bundjalung Country, Tallebudgera Creek, QLD

Year of completion: 2025

Orientation: Landscape 

Shipping and GST are included in the purchase price.