Gail Neuss - Waterholes

Artwork Description:

Waterholes - painted on Ngarigo Country.

Artist Statement:

Waterholes is a reflection of my country ..up in the snowy mountains ..

Camp sites and pathways are close by

You find tukka and shelter at the waterholes

Animals come to drink

We trade at the waterhole - a precious resource

Artist Bio:

Gail Neuss is a celebrated Indigenous Australian artist and storyteller from Ngarigo Country in the Snowy Monaro region of New South Wales. Her art deeply reflects her cultural heritage, connection to Country, and personal journey, often incorporating themes of landscape, ancestry, and the natural environment.

Gail’s work often includes vivid colours, strong patterns, and storytelling elements drawn from her Aboriginal roots. She uses a range of mediums such as acrylics, charcoal, ochre, and enamel on metal. Her paintings explore the power of nature, including mountains, rivers, animals, and native plants including her bark series , which holds cultural significance for her people.

Emotions tied to natural events—such as bushfires, drought, and renewal—are woven into her canvases, capturing resilience and connection to land and heritage.

Recipient of many art awards reflecting her unique style and use of bold colour
Radford Art Award 2025
QPRC Art Award 2023/2024/2025
Koori Mail & Lismore Regional Art Gallery Finalist 2025 (kangaroo skin)

Gail has designed book covers for Leah Purcell & Jakelin Troy
Has works in the Cooma Hospital
Selwyn Ski Resort
Galleries across NSW
And is highly sought after for her Cultural Programs in Schools and Gov Depts
*Member Indigenous Art Code

I spend the majority of my time on my Nura Nganymitung (Grandmothers Country) snow country ngarigo - I was raised bush ways and learned to care for Country from my dad Albert, enjoy my solitude and my 2 dogs.