As years passed my father (Greg Martin) took on the role as storyteller and would reinforce the stories. My family had a lot to do with my understanding of the dreamtime and the creation of the country.
I first started to get interested in teaching my culture around 10 years ago, I started painting and remembering more of the stories I was told growing up. My dot painting is an art passed down from generation to generation. The one person who really showed me the meaning of dot paintings and how to dot paint was my Grandmother Joan Margret Martin nee Lewis (deceased), a well-known Aboriginal Artist. My Grandmother was one of the main people in my life that helped me to become the artistic person I am today. Painting and story telling to me is a form of meditation and spiritual healing.
Today I am blessed with the company of my Nanna – my Mum’s Mother and respected Nyungar Elder, Theresa Walley. Her knowledge has been inspirational in developing Djurandi Dreaming. Spending time with her on our country with our children passing down language, dreamtime stories and works of creation to our next generations. My Nanna will be a special guest sharing her knowledge on some of our tours.
I hope you enjoyed my story, and that it has given you creative thought of my dreamtime culture and way of life.
Justin Martin
Owner / Operator