Sisters Cook and McNeil grew up in Toowoomba believing they were of Spanish descent. It was only later they discovered their true Aboriginal heritage, which had been kept secret for many years to protect them at a time when Indigenous children were being removed from their families. The sisters eventually discovered their link to the Iman tribe of Taroom and were embraced by their people, reintroduced to their Country and taught the stories, history and foods of the area. Susan’s and Wendy’s works are a true reflection of their personal journeys of discovering their true heritage and their connection to the Iman tribe of Taroom.  Through their art, they pay tribute to their Great Grandmother Maggie Dunn, and those who endured to lay the foundations for their future. 

How did you get into the art industry? 

Wendy: Well originally Susan and I had an art shop years ago. We really enjoyed it and then we found out about our indigenous heritage. We decided we try some dot painting. At that time Susan had chronic Asthma, so that really helped her, we tried to do more dot paining. Then we got an art exhibition at Goombungee. That was the very first one and then we became permanent residents at Brisbane Southbanks Henderson Art Gallery which later changed to Birrunga Gallery in East Brisbane. 

Susan: I've always had an interest for art and as I went further down the track my sister Wendy suggested that we should really start doing some indigenous art. So in a very, very small window we were offered 2 exhibitions, which led into a permanent residency and from there, it's just been continuous. We're continually having exhibitions selling our paintings locally in Australia and overseas. So it's a beautiful window that's opened in my book of life.

How did the discovery of your Indigenous heritage influence your art? 

Wendy: First of all Susan and I do 2 different styles of art. Susan likes creating a series of different things. An example could be the walkabout series or the dreamtime series. I base all my art on stories. Somebody tells me a story about something then I try to translate it onto canvas. It’s a way of passing on our history. It's how Susan and I actually got into indigenous art. 

Susan: I was already into painting and just discovered our ancestry. I thought this was a wonderful direction to go in. With the Indigenous Art, I can talk about my culture, I can put our beautiful past in present and future painting. It educates people on our indigenous culture and also I can express myself and it also is very, very relaxing. I always had chronic Asthma until i started doing indigenous art. My breathing changed permanently and now my Asthma is nearly cured.