Bunyip Trap

Jack Anselmi is a proud Yorta Yorta man from Mooroopna, Victoria, whose work connects deeply to his heritage, the land, and his cultural identity. Known for his striking animal carvings, sculptures, and ceramics, Jack is a regular participating artist at his local Indigenous art centre, Kaiela Arts, where he not only shares his expertise but continues to learn and develop new skills. He has a distinctive style that breathes life into inanimate objects, whether working with wood or ceramic, infusing them with a captivating energy that draws viewers in.

A recurring theme in Jack’s work is the long-neck turtle, the Yorta Yorta totem. This symbol of connection to the land and culture appears frequently in his ceramics, where Jack uses natural materials, earth pigments, minerals, and dyes derived from his country, to craft pieces that tell stories of identity and belonging. His approach to materiality highlights the deep relationship between Aboriginal artists and the land, with his work focusing on the theme of connection to place, self, and culture.

In 2016, Jack collaborated with fellow artist Cynthia Hardie to create the Midden installation for the Indigenous Ceramic Art Award at Shepparton Art Museum. The innovative work won the award for its bold use of ceramics and its powerful cultural narrative. Midden was later acquired by the museum, further cementing Jack’s reputation as a leading figure in contemporary Aboriginal art. In addition to his exhibitions, Jack has received commissions from institutions such as Melbourne University and Goulburn Valley Grammar School.

Jack’s art has been featured in many exhibitions, including Who We Are in 2022, For Our Elders in 2023, Keep the Fire Burning in 2024, and the 2024 Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair. Each exhibition has given Jack the opportunity to further express his sense of identity through art and contribute to the ongoing conversation about culture, connection, and the environment.

As a workshop leader at Kaiela Arts, Jack conducts turtle-making workshops, where he shares his knowledge and passion with others, especially through teaching young people about the cultural significance of the turtle to the Yorta Yorta people. His commitment to education, cultural preservation, and artistic innovation continues to inspire and engage others in the broader community.

In his own words: “The long-neck turtle is our totem. I’ve been sculpting and carving wood for a long time. I bring the wood to life, changing it to tell a story.”