Clan groups: Kuku Yalanji

Language groups: Kuku Yalanji & Kuku Nyungkul

Sheryl Burchill was born in 1970 in the Daintree River area north of Cairns. Her knowledge of Kuku Yalanji culture informs her art, and she uses contemporary methods to depict traditional stories and day-to-day cultural practices in her work. ‘Kuku Yalanji people feel a deep connection to their traditional lands (Bubu). We find harmony and a place of belonging when out on our Bubu’, she says.

Sheryl’s Country in north Queensland includes the rainforest regions of Shipton’s Flat, Daintree River and China Camp. Traditional woven baskets are the subject of a number of her etchings. These baskets are woven from Kakan (Black Palm), Jilnknan (river grass) and Yibuy (Loya Cane) and were used to carry fish, yams and fresh scrub hen eggs. They are still made today and are used by both men and women. Keeping traditions alive for future generations and passing on the knowledge of her ancestors is what matters most to Sheryl.

Since 2012 Sheryl has participated in many regional exhibitions and her work is represented in several national and international private collections.