Today’s artist comes with an unbelievable back story. Domica Hill paints contemporary Aboriginal art that blends traditional style with modern aesthetic.
She turned to art as a form of healing after losing her first daughter. She chats openly about this incredibly painful time in her life and how art became a therapeutic outlet that helped her heal.
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A teacher by trade, now an artist, Domica and her family call the Sunshine Coast home.
“My family and I moved to the Sunshine Coast 3 and a half years ago. I hail from lutruwita (Tasmania) with a bloodline tracing back to Mangana, the revered leader of the Bruny Island peoples.
“I live with my incredible husband Jarrod who is my rock. He is constantly supporting my wild ideas with unwavering love. Together, we have a beautiful little boy Jyka, who is nearly four, as well as 3 angel babies who live in our hearts and through the art that fills our home.
“Of course I can’t forget to mention our 2 little dogs, Koda and Frankie! They’re mischievous papillons who act more like tiny humans,” Domica says with a laugh.
Domica’s journey to becoming an artist is heartbreaking, yet comes from a place of true strength and beauty.
“I became an artist in the wake of losing our first daughter, Briar,” Domica recalls. “Born at just 24 weeks, she had an extremely rare genetic condition.
Art became my way of navigating grief — a therapeutic outlet that helped me heal through the immense loss.
“Over time, what started as personal expression evolved into something much larger. When I stopped teaching due to the combined impact of our loss and the onset of COVID while living in Melbourne, art naturally took centre stage.
“It all came together quickly. Friends requested pieces, then their friends, and soon it grew beyond anything I had imagined. I launched my Instagram and website, and before I knew it, I was fully immersed, hardly able to pause for breath.
The inspiration for all her pieces of art comes from a truly heartfelt place.
“My inspiration is deeply rooted in my journey. Experiencing the loss of babies or loved ones in any form is profoundly life-changing, impacting every aspect of existence,” Domica explains.
“Art has become a powerful bridge. Connecting me with others, allowing my story to resonate, and offering a sense of shared understanding.
“When people engage with artwork that carries deep meaning and find elements within it that reflect their own experiences, it creates something truly special.
An unspoken bond, a moment of healing, and a reminder that none of us are alone in our grief or growth.
Domica’s style of art blends tradition with a modern aesthetic.
“My work is unmistakably contemporary Aboriginal art,” she says.
“While I incorporate traditional symbols and dot painting to convey my story on the canvas, my approach to colour and style leans toward a bold, modern aesthetic. I explore a distinctly contemporary expression, blending heritage with innovation to create something fresh and uniquely my own.
“Dots hold a profound significance in my art, serving as a bridge to my ancestors and a way to weave my heritage into every piece I create. While my mob — the Palawa People — did not traditionally use dots in their artwork, this visual form has become widely recognised as a representation of Aboriginal culture.
“When people see dot patterns, they instinctively associate them with Aboriginal artists.
By embedding dots into my work, I honour that connection while shaping it through my own unique approach and style.
The creative process in Domica’s contemporary Aboriginal art is a journey that showcases real and raw emotion.
“My creative process is fluid and ever-changing. I always begin with a colour palette, something broad yet intentional,” Domica explains.
“For instance, I might decide to work with greens and earthy tones, allowing room for flexibility. Native flora frequently takes centre stage in my pieces, and at times, native fauna as well.
“I feel deeply connected to the land, to what makes our country uniquely ours, and to the plants and animals that have always held significance for Aboriginal people.
“From there, I begin weaving a narrative using symbols and patterns. Often, my work becomes a reflection of my journey. My support system, the elements that have carried me through challenges, and the experiences that have shaped me.
In many ways, it unfolds naturally, without excessive deliberation — just a raw, intuitive expression of my story.
A beautiful, heartfelt moment allowed Domica’s personal life to connect with her world as an artist.
“One of the most meaningful moments in my career as an artist was creating a special piece for the charity Precious Wings. The artwork was auctioned at their annual gala, raising thousands to support their mission — providing beautifully crafted memory boxes for families grieving the loss of a baby or child,” Domica explains.
“This collaboration held deep personal significance, as my own family received one of these precious boxes after we lost our second son, Huxley, in January 2024.
“In a remarkable twist of fate, the founder had no idea at the time that I had received one of their boxes. She had simply reached out after reading about Briar’s story.
“These profound losses have connected me to so many people and opportunities, reminding me of the extraordinary ways in which the world weaves stories together.
“I am incredibly grateful for the support I received after having Briar. It truly shaped my journey and led my career in an unexpected but deeply meaningful direction.
“The love for my work and the connection with my clients has been invaluable, and I couldn’t be more appreciative of the community that has embraced my art.”
Domica has worked on exciting collaborations, merging her contemporary Aboriginal art with some incredible well known brands.
“Collaborating with brands has been a major highlight of my career. To be honest, they have all unfolded quite organically,” Domica smiles.
“People are often drawn to my work or connect deeply with my story. This helps lead to meaningful partnerships built on mutual appreciation.
“One of my favourite collaborations has been with Koh Living. Koh Living is a brand that creates stunning homewares and gifts. Every detail, from the thoughtful packaging to the narrative woven into the designs, has been meticulously crafted to perfection and held to the highest quality standards.
“Beyond the artistry, the best part is working with the people behind the brand. They are down-to-earth, genuine, and an absolute joy to collaborate with.”
What a story! We are so grateful to Domica for sharing her real and incredible raw story with us. Her passion and joy is unwavering, and comes across in each piece of her heartfelt art. Discover more contemporary Aboriginal art from Domica Hill on her website, or scroll through her Instagram page.
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