Miimi & Jiinda is an Australian Art business, founded by Aboriginal mother and daughter, Lauren Jarrett and Melissa Greenwood.
Miimi & Jiinda's aim is to create beautiful, unique artworks that connect with the world. They are passionate about painting pieces that reflect their own personal stories and unique journeys as Indigenous women. Their creations endeavour to uplift and inspire our senses, spark conversations, and bring light to important issues. As proud Gumbaynggirr custodians, Lauren and Melissa love to share their interpretations of Country, which spring from their own personal cultural identities as Aboriginal women.
"My strongest inspiration for my art comes from my Country. The land we live on is everything; the earth is our greatest teacher, our knowledge holder and our divine authority. We are traditional owners and Native Title holders, and my Nanny fought very hard for that right to protect our country and its history. My matriarchs, my Nan (Mum’s Mother), Mrs Jarrett née Dotti from Bowraville, and my Great-Grandmother (Mum's Gran), Mrs Jarrett née Taylor from Corindi Red Rock, are our guiding inspirations.
My Great-Gran was a cultural midwife and delivered many Goori babies in our family and across the Nambucca Valley. My birthing caves art is inspired by her. We were raised to always show the deepest respect to our Elders. They taught us that everything is living and interconnected which is a primary concept that we explore through our paintings.
Our artwork is contemporary and modern, and portrays our daily journey as artists. The colours and patterns are inspired by our ancestral homelands. It is the most beautiful Country, made up of beautiful rivers, oceans, mountains, rainforest, creeks, trees, animals, and bird-life. I’ve always been attracted to colours, mixing and blending them to make my own unique palette. Colours are everything as they lift the energy in the room, and have the power to make people feel something and connect deeply with a story you’re trying to convey."
Melissa and Lauren hail from the Gumbaynggirr, Dunghutti, and Bundjalung tribes of Australia’s East Coast, often referred to as “Saltwater Country.” For both mother and daughter, their art has been a powerful medium for healing intergenerational trauma.