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Elder Michelle Dederer-Binda, known as Binda, hails from the Wonnarua mob and was born and raised in Cessnock and Maitland, NSW. Michelle is now living in Queensland with her family.

The name Binda was lovingly given to her by her mother, and it has since become a significant part of her identity. Binda has been painting since the age of three, with a natural ability to translate her thoughts, memories, and the stories passed down to her over a lifetime onto canvas.

Her artistic journey has been deeply shaped by her family, particularly her mother, grandmother, aunties, and cousins, who have taught her the traditions and techniques passed down through generations. These teachings are a vital part of her cultural heritage, grounding her in the values of connection, storytelling, and artistic expression within the communities she works and lives including her own country.

Binda’s unique painting style is deeply intertwined with her spiritual connection to country, ancestors, and the Dreamtime. Her art captures the movement of spirits, often shifting between human and animal forms, reflecting the sacred journeys and teachings of the elders. Through her work, Binda brings to life the Dreaming’s—the stories of creation and the enduring presence of spirits that guide the lives of her people.

Each of Binda’s paintings tells a dynamic story—what was once, what is, and what will continue to evolve. Her art is not static; it is living, shifting, and changing with every glance, offering new insights and layers of meaning each time it is viewed. The purpose of her art is to bring people together, to share knowledge across generations, and to inspire pride in one’s heritage, wherever that may be.

Binda believes that art and tradition should be shared, united across the country as one collective story—a journey that celebrates the creativity, resilience, and cultural richness of many minds and hearts. Through her work, she invites all to witness the ongoing connection between past, present, and future.