Mick Harding

“We are the first peoples of this land and have an ongoing responsibility
to keep our culture alive and relevant in our current society.
We belong to this land”
Our Symbols.  Our Story.  Our Country.

Mick draws his inspiration from the compelling legends of his people
and weaves the images into each of his original artworks,
which reflect the unique symbols of South-East Australia.

‘Wan yelamonggi Munyi Bukkeen’
I made this for you

Belonging to the Yowong-Illam-Baluk and Nattarak Baluk clans of the Taungurung people, Mick Harding is an artist specialising in wood working, printmaking and giftware. For Mick, ‘art is a rainbow of many things’ and his own practice demonstrates this openness to innovative design. His company, Ngarga Warendj –Dancing Wombat, is known for high-quality products that are produced by hand or through ethical licensing agreements. Mick is also a cultural educator and his commitment to knowledge is reflected in the cultural narratives that inform his works.  Mick notes the importance of his art making as a way to be both culturally and financially independent. His art is also for his children and community and he says that buying genuine products from Indigenous artists ‘puts money into our pockets and into our communities – we are closing the gap ourselves.’