Gilimbaa was born out of a passion to work with Indigenous art and story-telling and the elements it can bring to contemporary design and communication.
David Williams - CEO
A descendant of the Wakka Wakka people of (central south-west) Queensland , David was surrounded by indigenous music and language from an early age. He learnt the traditional songs and stories of his people, passed down from generation to generation, from his grandmother. His love of didgeridoo would later come from these early experiences.
David first picked up a brush during university at the suggestion of his uncle, himself an established Aboriginal artist. After holding a number of successful international exhibitions, David began to merge this traditional indigenous art with modern graphic design techniques. In 2008 he and colleagues established Gilimbaa as an indigenous communication agency to meet the growing need for effective, culturally appropriate indigenous communication. As Creative Director of Gilimbaa, David creates art that communicates stories, and brings his cultural and artistic knowledge to projects to ensure that their overall message is culturally appropriate and meaningful.
An accomplished didgeridoo player, David's performances have taken him around the world, performing for official Qantas functions, the 2008 Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony, and the London Bushfire Memorial Service. His role as a young indigenous entrepreneur has seen him mentor youth, leading a group to perform for the Sheik of Dubai as part of the Dare to Lead program. Through David's didgeridoo performances and his artwork he educates others about indigenous people and culture, helping to foster a better understanding of Indigenous culture and stories throughout mainstream Australia .
Amanda Lear - Managing Director
Mandy's experience in effective and rewarding communication, public speaking
and training and development has seen her travel around the country working
with large organisations, Indigenous communities and educational
institutions on internal organisational projects, community initiatives and
education forums.
Riki Salam - Creative Director
He was born and raised in Cairns, Far North Queensland, His Father a Torres Strait man from Moa Island (Saint Paul's) was born and raised in the Straits before being relocated to the mainland township of Mossman at the beginning of WW2. His Mother is a Ngai Tahu (Maori) woman born in the South Island of New Zealand in the township of Kai Poi north of Christchurch.
Studying Visual Art and Design at the Kangaroo Point TAFE College (Morningside Campus) Riki honed his craft working renowned Indigenous Art Studio Balarinji where he worked under the guidance of Artists and Owners John and Ros Moriarty. During his 8 years at Balarinji he was privileged to work on various projects, some of which included - the QANTAS painted 737-800 Yananyi Dreaming, Darling Walk - Lend Lease 22m painted Mural depicting Pre-European Trade, City of Sydney - 'Give me Sydney anyday' City Open Day Public painting, designing for the Sydney Opera House - Message Sticks 2 weeks of Indigenous inspired events, and working on various projects with Indigenous Artists co-operative Larrakia Nation based in Darwin, NT this also included conducting artist workshops and brainstorming sessions.
After moving back to Brisbane from Sydney in 2007 Riki has taken on a variety of design contracts with both Government and Private Agencies some of these include work for Multicultural Affairs Queensland, Theiss John Holland, Brisconnections and Comverj - Marketing and Communications company, to where his has joined Gilimbaa as Creative Director at the start of 2010.
Rikiworks in pen and ink, gouche on paper and acrylic he continues to explore and push the boundaries of his creativity on both a personal and professional level. Drawing from his past Riki looks forward to creating new and exciting pieces for the future.