Norma MacDonald 1994

In 1994 Norma MacDonald paved the way for the Aboriginal artists who have since graduated, by enrolling as the only Aboriginal art student at Midland College of TAFE.

‘ The first time I came to TAFE to enrol I sat in the car in tears because I had a fear of filling out forms. My husband had to push me - reminding me that I had always wanted to further my education. I didn’t go to high school. I had been ready to start in the new school uniform made by my mother when my father said I had to go out and work. My mother was deeply disappointed – she had missed out on an education because of government policies at the time.’

 Norma soon saw in TAFE a place that could offer her support in achieving her goals.

By 1995 she had proven her commitment to her studies by winning the prestigious Sangora award. She later returned to the College as Artist In Residence, then as the Coordinator of the Aboriginal Art Program to oversee a range of initiatives that inspired other Aboriginal art students to also achieve excellence.

Norma has had considerable success with her work, which is proving to be highly sought after.

I Can Fly, her 2002 exhibition at Gomboc Gallery completely sold out, while her 2003 exhibition Coming Home saw more than half of her 59 pieces sold at the launch, with one of the paintings being acquired by the National Art Gallery.

In the Australian Art Collector (Issue 27) Norma was listed in the top 50 Australian artists.

Last year she completed illustrations for Corroboree, a book by Noongar elder, Angus Wallam in conjunction with Suzanne Kelly to be published in 2004.

Norma is currently studying oil painting techniques of old masters as part of her Australian Arts Fellowship 2004/2005, and hopes to travel to Europe next year.

Norma continues to support Swan TAFE students by attending their art exhibitions at the College and using her extensive industry networks to assist other graduates.  At the same time she continues to develop her own artwork, which has found its way all over the world.

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