Meet the Artist: Janelle Burger

janelleburger.net | @janelleburger

We loved First Nations artist Janelle Burger's bright, modern style, and commissioned her to create an uplifting design that would tell a story of community, connection and positivity. To create the hero poster for The Good Day Collective, our goal was to capture the essence of the project - an uplifting and energising initiative that promotes feel-good moments. 

The artwork she created is a beautiful representation of people coming together and enjoying themselves. Using symbols and patterns, Janelle crafted an image of a river, symbolising movement and journey, and arches that represent people.

Overall, Janelle's artwork inspires and uplifts, reminding us of the importance of coming together to create a 'good day.' Her work has added significant value to The Good Day Collective, and we are honoured to have collaborated with such a talented artist.

We spoke to Janelle about her creation of The Good Day Collective illustration, read more about her inspiration here:

1. What are the layers of meaning behind the artwork you've created for The Good Day Collective?

The use of symbols and patterns represent people coming together and enjoying themselves. The river as a symbol of movement and journey, and the arches represent people, further emphasises the idea of people coming together and reaching their destination. I hope my artwork inspires and uplifts people, and to remind us of the importance of coming together to create a “good day”.​

​2. Tell us a little bit about your relationship to country as First Nations woman? Beginning with where your country is and how country has influenced your art?

I was born and raised in Fremantle, Western Australia (Walyalup country). My mother is indigenous so my connection to country is a very strong one. As a teenager I noticed myself creating patterns with aboriginal icons, it came very naturally to me. My grandmother was also an artist and I remember seeing her traditional works which really inspired me as a kid. Perhaps that’s where I got it from? Runs in the blood and has influenced me greatly.​

​3. How important is art as a medium to express and acknowledge your indigenous culture?

Art has always been a medium for myself as an Indigenous person. To express and acknowledge our cultural heritage. It’s a powerful tool for storytelling, preserving cultural traditions and communicating with others.​

​4. You're currently based in Paris - how does your current location and connection to country influence your art making?

For me moving to Paris was probably the best thing I could have done in my life. I come from the most isolated city in the world and getting out of my comfort zone was a great idea. Living in Paris exposed me to new perspectives, ideas and ways of thinking which influenced my creative process and the art I produce.​

​5. What are your favourite creative pieces or projects that have meant the most to you/you've enjoyed working on? 

I loved working on the Frankie Magazine cover! It didn’t feel like work at all. Drawing native flowers from home reminded me that we really are spoilt for beauty. The team at Frankie were so friendly and kind. Such a pleasure when you work with a great team of people.​

​6. As a First Nations woman what does the 2023 NAIDOC Week theme "For Our Elders" mean to you?​

It’s an important theme that’s for sure! I love that 2023 NAIDOC week is themed for our elders. A reminder for everyone of the critical role the elders pay in Indigenous communities, and the importance of honouring and respecting their wisdom, knowledge and contributions. They play an important role in passing on knowledge and wisdom to younger generations and maintaining cultural continuity and connection to country.