Brushstrokes

*Shortlisted in the 2014 Tod Hunter Literary Award.* This is a short story about an Indigenous Australian art teacher, frustrated by bereavement and the loss of her heritage in an ever changing world. This is a modern, contemporary literary piece set in Perth, Western Australia,.A short story about an Indigenous Australian art teacher, frustrated by bereavement and the loss of her heritage in an ever changing world. This is a modern, contemporary literary piece set in Perth, Western Australia. The narrator explores inter-cultural issues and taboos, the financial exploitation of indigenous artists and the 'one style' only of Aboriginal art in the global marketplace. It also touches on indigenous and non-indigenous spiritually, In this story, the narrators feelings of anger and loss are healed through art and friendship. The characters are fictional.This story is written by a non-indigenous writer who does not wish to fall into the 'apartheid of literature' that is often, but not always, prevalent currently. At the same time, all attempts have been made to treat indigenous peoples in this story with respect and understanding of their social and historical issues and they have been acknowledged and and their assistance sought before publication.