In her introductory statement titled ‘Deep Listening’, Lisa Kennedy explains she is guided by the voices of her ancestors. She listens to the land, sea, and stars and also hears stories that ‘want to be told’. Such stories have layers of meaning that offer new insights upon rereading. She explains that her words and stories are part of her ongoing research into presenting old stories in new ways. She details her family background, inspiration and her interest in the healing dimension of art and story.
‘Wurramatyenna and the Magic Canoe’ features a young boy who lives by himself but has a special friend, an albatross, who brings him dreams of seas and sky and promises of travelling together to Albatross’s Island. The Albatross is old and Wurramatyenna stays close by, singing her a song, as she lays in a circle of stones by the water. While asleep, the Albatross gives the boy one of his bones that will be with him and help him find treasure. Wurramatyenna sails off in a magical bark canoe with the bone to guide his travels. The fish he passes tell him stories. The dophins bring him food for his travels. Each creature shares how they care for the land, sea and those around them. During Wurramatyenna’s travels to the Albatross’ island, he is protected by sea creatures who tell him their stories. He finally arrives and presents a stone to the baby Albatross, declaring, ‘This is my gift to you, I have already found as much treasure as I need.’
Kennedy’s watercolours add to the deeper layers in this story, which can be variously interpreted. Colours fill the double page spreads with the aqua, greens and yellows of the sea. There are magical moments that defy logic while attracting the eyes as the boy and canoe ride atop an Albatross afloat on colours of aquas, green, yellow and lime that blend into one other. Beneath the sea are deep purples and aquas that add to this story’s dreamlike quality. These blend into one another and transport both the boy and the reader into wonderous worlds that change with each turn of the page. Some words in the Palawa Kani language appear throughout. This is a story with many interpretations containing words that play with images and artwork that captures the imagination.
Lisa Kennedy is a descendant of the Trawlwoolway people of North East Tasmania.
There are two related books about the boy Wurramatyenna both published in 2015. The second book’s title is ‘Wurramatyenna and the Call from the Sea’.
Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander Resource
