My name is Lesley Salem née Elvin and I am an Aboriginal artist, author, and Nurse Practitioner.

I am a descendant of the Wonnarua Nation in NSW, currently working in private practice as a generalist and chronic disease Nurse Practitioner (NP). My nursing is dedicated to improving the health of those with chronic disease, particularly in rural and remote Australian communities. At the centre of everything I do is a strong dedication to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people and those with socioeconomic disadvantages. I enjoy mentoring and believe that sharing knowledge is the key to reducing barriers and making healthcare and education accessible for all.

On 13 June 2022, I was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to nursing and to Indigenous health.

My art follows in the footsteps of my father Les Elvin, an artist and elder of the Wonnarua Nation. Most of my knowledge for my art is drawn from my dad’s knowledge, but I use it in a more contemporary manner. I predominantly use acrylic on canvas, wood and occasionally glass. Although I use a contemporary dotting style, I utilise traditional Aboriginal Symbolism wherever possible to tell stories in my work. All work must be telling a story.

I love to paint the imagery of the flora and fauna that I see on Country. I travel often for my work in rural and remote nursing, and I enjoy tramping (hiking), so I am fortunate enough to see many of the beautiful creatures and landscapes of Australia. I also love to use modern/contemporary dotting style combined with traditional symbolism to paint the life story of an individual or family showing their journey.

I have been exhibiting since my late thirties at galleries and exhibitions in Cessnock, Newcastle, Hunter Valley Vineyards, and Muswellbrook. At the 50th Annual Weston Art Show, I won Highly Commended for ‘Kurri Kurri Grevillea’ and won the Major Award (Overall) for the exhibition. In 2013, I was the winner of the Reconciliation Aboriginal Acquisitive Artwork Prize. I also have a painting in acquisitions at the Muswellbrook Art Gallery, and regularly do commissions for private collections.

I produce art for brochures and have written two books. The first, called Bush Tucker in Kidney Failure and Diabetes, examined the nutritional content of traditional Indigenous foods and featured paintings by my father. The second, Iconography & Symbolism of Eastern NSW Aboriginal Art, details some of the symbols and iconography I use in my paintings and is available for purchase here.

I currently have work on display in the Les Elvin Kungera Arts Gallery at the Hunter Valley Information Centre.
https://www.facebook.com/kungeraarts/
455 Wine Country Dr, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Hours: 9am-5pm, Monday - Saturday
Phone: 02 4993 6700