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about us

We are artists. We are Kalkadoon Women. We are mothers, sisters, partners, business owners. We are telling the stories of our Kalkatungu homelands and sharing the colours, textures and history of our home. We are Cungelella Art. 

Cungelella Art was founded in 2019 by Glenda McCulloch as a vehicle for sharing her culture through modern Aboriginal art. It soon expanded as a collaboration to include Glenda’s sisters - Jaunita, Dale and Cheryl. Not only was the opportunity for business expansion presented as the demand for their art increased - the sisters were able to create a venture that allowed them to work closely together and spend quality time together as a family creating a legacy through their artwork.

From a young age the sisters were surrounded by artists and creatives; from their grandparents to their uncles and aunties who enjoyed teaching them about carvings and paintings on different artifacts and traditional art of the region. They’ve taken this traditional knowledge to create a unique modern take on contemporary aborigial art that reflects the rugged ranges and native fauna and flora that surrounds their Kalkadoon home. They take inspiration from the ancient rock faces, red dirt and spinifex covered hills of the country and colours of the sky painted a peachy orange at sunset and beautiful old rustic gum trees that flourish in this harsh country are reflected through their works.

Glenda mcculloch

Glenda began painting while still working at her previous job before having her kids. Once she transitioned to motherhood she found herself with extra time around the house and this is when she rediscovered her creative side. She loves to paint her country - Kalkatungu country as it’s her home, where she grew up and where she is raising her family. It felt important for her to share this beauty with the world. 

Random fact

“As a family with my two boys Levi and Asher we love attending rodeos but more importantly supporting my husband who competes in the steer wrestling and team roping events”

cheryl perez

Cheryl started painting for Glenda a month after Cungelella Art began. She found herself at Glenda’s home studio for a yarn and a cuppa most days as she watched the pieces of art come to life. She began exploring her own creative side and helping Glenda with her paintings - not long after she started creating her own pieces and hasn’t looked back. She’s inspired by her country but especially loves painting the flora and fauna of the region.

Random fact

“I would say I’m a all things vintage enthusiast and can not pass up a bargain at an op shop - I have styled nearly my whole house and wardrobe with second hand bargains”

jaunita doyle

Jaunita stepped into Cungelella Art around 4 months after it’s creation - at first just helping around the studio, preparing canvases and cleaning. She soon found her own process and with encouragement from Glenda and Cheryl began putting paint brush to canvas to create her own pieces. Having always had a creative side Jaunita had tried a number of mediums (including sewing although she didn’t have the patience for it like her mum did) - however, she’s come to really enjoy painting and loves to paint with inspiration from the Kalkatungu Country. She especially loves the earthy tones that saturate the country. 

Random fact

“Since the covid lock down I have suddenly become a fanatical plant mum and collected over 100 plants in this short time”

dale bruce

Dale began painting for Cungelella a while after it’s conception - having never painted before she was originally content spending time enjoying the cuppas and tea parties that preceded the company's beginnings. Eventually she was convinced by her sisters that in order to join the cuppas she’d have to get creative and pick up a brush. After she started to paint she found that this creative outlet was a beautiful form of therapy for her and she is particularly inspired by her traditional homelands and using an unrestricted palette to create unique pieces. 

Random fact

“ My creativity also flows into creating the perfect outfits for my kids. I am also known as the entertainment in our group as I am always up for a laugh and a good joke”

Original pieces

Cungelella Art pieces are inspired by the rugged and rust coloured lands of Kalkatungu Country. Pieces utilise traditional elements reimagined in a modern and contemporary way.

Pieces are created by Glenda, Dale, Cheryl & Juanita in their individual styles

collaboration - adairs x cungelella art

Introducing our first collaboration with Adairs, inspired by sisterhood, family, motherhood & home.   

This eagerly anticipated collection features our bold designs, influenced by ancient rock faces, spinifex-covered hills, and all the shades of sunset. 

Translating our art to their gorgeous range of bedlinen, homewares & nursery, each piece is beautifully made.  

collaboration - INFAMOUS SWIM x cungelella art

Matching swimwear for the whole family featuring artwork by Cungelella Art.

Women’s swim available in sizes XS-3XL, matching swimwear for kids and men.

collaboration - little art earrings x cungelella art

Beautiful homemade earrings created by Little Art Earrings using artwork by Cungelella Art. Available in stud and dangle styles!

collabortion - deadly denim x cungelella art

Up-cycled denim restyled by Deadly Denim featuring artwork by Cungelella Art.

Small batches available in sizes from 6-24

Current pre-order features print - Marapai - meaning “woman”

collaboration - yogat x cungelella art

Premium mats made from 100% recycled and natural materials featuring Kalkatungu Country artwork by Glenda McCulloch

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commissions

Commission artworks are created by Cungelella Art uniquely for you - personalised for your story, style, colours and size

We love to create pieces that tell a story so where possible we will incorporate different symbols to help tell your story. We will however, not accept very specific design requests as this will restrict and limit our creativity flowing naturally. We as the artist will retain full control over the final artwork.

If you are searching our gallery, instagram or shop for inspiration please choose no more than 3 pieces - this is plenty for us to get clarity around your desired style. List the piece names / artist in the message box below.