About the Artist Georgia MacGuire is an Aboriginal woman who’s heart beats for “Community, Culture and Country.” Her art serves as a bridge, connecting her to others and sharing her unique perspective as a First Nations woman in what is now known as Australia. To Georgia, Community, Culture, and Country form a sacred triad that defines her identity as a proud Aboriginal woman. Raised in the vibrant and passionate Aboriginal community in Canberra during the 70s and 80s, she was nurtured and emboldened by the wisdom of her Aunties and Uncles, who were tireless advocates for change. It was here that she discovered the transformative power of collective purpose. Throughout her journey, Georgia has been steadfast in her commitment to revitalizing and fortifying her cultural roots, both in her personal relationships and through her artistic endeavors. She has been honoured through her relationships with artists like Aunty Bronwyn Razem and Aunty Glenda Nicholls, who generously imparted their wisdom and skills, serving as unwavering beacons of matriarchal love and inspiration. For Georgia, her connection to Country runs deep, intertwined with a profound love for her non-human kin - the cherished animals and plants that share this land. In her practice, she dedicates herself to them, as well as to her Ancestors and all those that are only now present in her life as spirit. About the Artwork This piece, Protecting the Sacred, is a profound homage to the echidna, a venerable guardian of sacred knowledge and history within Australian Indigenous culture. Composed of over 1000 echidna quills, the artwork encapsulates the essence of this ancient being, one of Australia’s oldest living origin species. The echidna is more than just an animal; it is a spiritual Elder and a keeper of stories that have traversed millennia. Known to travel over 50 kilometres each season, retracing the same songlines, the echidna’s journey is a testament to the enduring connection between the land, its history, and its people. These songlines are not mere paths but are imbued with the songs, stories, and teachings of the ancestors, a rich tapestry of cultural heritage that the echidna helps to preserve and protect. In creating this artwork, I sought to honour the echidna’s role as a spiritual teacher and protector. Each quill represents a fragment of the ancient wisdom it carries, collectively forming a powerful symbol of resilience, continuity, and sacred duty. The heart shape, adorned with these quills, signifies the love and reverence we hold for this remarkable creature, as well as the protective embrace it offers to the sacred knowledge it safeguards. Protecting the Sacred is not only a tribute to the echidna but also a reminder of the profound respect and care we must extend to our spiritual Elders and the wisdom they embody. It calls upon us to recognise and honour the deep connections between our natural world and our cultural heritage, to walk gently on the land, and to protect the sacred knowledge that guides and shapes our journey.