My journey as an artist and musician has been one of healing, resilience, and rediscovery.
I was born in Alice Springs in 1964, and my earliest memories are of my mum singing Anmatjere songlines and drawing stories in the sand. Those moments, feeling safe in her arms under the gum trees, planted the seeds for my lifelong love of art and music.
Life hasn't always been easy. I survived 15 years of domestic violence, an experience that nearly broke me. But I found my way back to healing through my first passions - singing and painting. These became my lifelines, helping me process trauma and rediscover my self-worth.
My art is deeply personal. Each painting is a unique expression of my inner world, what I call my "paradise places." They're fictional landscapes where I can escape the world's fast pace and find serenity. My songs carry on our tradition of storytelling, with lyrics that paint pictures of love, heartbreak, and life in the Red Centre.
I've performed at festivals across Australia, from Tamworth to Alice Springs, and I've been recording music since 2002. But my dream has always been bigger - to paint and sing worldwide, sharing my healing journey in hopes of helping others heal too.
In 2025, I was honoured to be named SA NAIDOC Creative Artist of the Year. It's not just a personal achievement, but a celebration of our ongoing cultural narrative and the power of art to heal.
Today, I'm living in Adelaide on Kaurna land, where I've started my own business, Desert Rhubees Creation. I'm also worked with Carrington Cottages as a caretaker, facilitating art classes and providing peer support to other women who've experienced homelessness and recently a art mentor for Salvation Army.
My journey hasn't been easy, but it's taught me the incredible power of creativity as a tool for healing. Whether through a brushstroke or a musical note, we all have the ability to express our emotions and discover deeper parts of ourselves. As I often say, "Each artwork is a unique one-off piece" - just like our healing journeys.
To anyone out there struggling, I want you to know that there's hope. Your story matters, your creativity is your voice, and your healing journey is possible. Keep singing, keep creating, and keep moving forward.
my friend Betty Minniecon gave me a poem of my story and Kelly Staines help me turn it into the beautiful song of leaving Domestic Voilence. Video made by Paul Moore at Geelong waurn ponds
Hi Rhubee, this is such a beautifu and heartfelt post and such a story of resilience and hope. You are an amazing person and an amazing artist! Keep them coming!!