Cirrus@Austlit

'A profound and visionary collection of poetry and original artwork that explores personal narratives, First Nations wisdom and the many shapes of love, from one of Australia's most prolific young creatives.

'Eclipse weaves reflections on Country with affirmation and cheek, fusing Beyoncé with quantum physics. Through free verse, experimental and concrete poems, Kirli taps into the rhythm of Ancestral wisdom, offering connection and healing from the wounds of love, grief and our Nation's shared history. These poems celebrate the enduring strength found in kinship and Country itself, and at its heart, Eclipse is a dedication to Kirli's fierce and undying love for her community.

'Accompanied by Kirli's minimalist portraits and sketches drawn from the earth, Eclipse dances rhythmically through time and space, reminding us that both joy and sorrow are part of the same path. Kirli's playful and intentional verse brings us back to the Old Ways, while offering a fresh blak queer lens through which to view the present and future.

'Through this collection, Kirli invites readers to find themselves among the stars, grounded in the earth, and held in the constant embrace of Country, community and the cosmos.'  (Publication summary)

'Long, long ago, after the Dreaming, two Yuin boys go exploring on a bidhu (mountain) in search of food. They meet with animals of the bagan (land), barra barra (sea) and (mirriwarr) sky, who teach them about being on Country, connecting to the land and to each other.

'Written by two boys aged 12 and 13, The Boys Who Found Their Way incorporates words from the Dhurga language of the Yuin people of the south coast of NSW.'  (Publication summary)

'ngayawanj bagan-nggul, ngayawanj barra barra-nggul is a collection of poems and stories in Dhurga and English, by students from Vincentia High School. The accompanying artwork, created by the students for the Community, honours the people and Country to which they belong.

'The words and illustrations celebrate the students' deep relationship with the land and sea, revealing the places, animals and cultural practices that nourish, strengthen and inspire them all. These interconnected stories reveal that we, as a whole, are part of a greater narrative and therefore have an obligation to connect with and care for Mother Earth.'

'Roam the water with me. We are here to learn.
Here to spin wisdom, to grow …

'From award-winning Gunai author Kirli Saunders and seven-time CBCA-winner Freya Blackwood comes Afloat, a story told in a time of climate crisis. Against a backdrop of a changed environment, an Elder leads a child along the waterways, sharing her People's knowledge and gathering community along the way.

'Afloat is an uplifting and inspiring picture book that uses the practice of weaving as a powerful metaphor for the honouring and teaching of First Nations wisdom, and the coming together of all people to survive, thrive and create a more hopeful future.'  (Publication summary)

'Do not mourn the hands that raised you ... Do not weep for songs of land. Honouring the Stolen Generations, and all who’ve been taken, The Land Recalls You is a powerful story of returning, written with love and reverence by award-winning Gunai author Kirli Saunders (OAM) and illustrated by debut Bundjalung artists David and Noni Cragg.' (Publication summary)

'Returning is a stunning work – a poetic and visual feast that takes you on Kirli’s journey of rediscovering self, Country and Connection. Kirli’s heartfelt experiences address large contemporary themes of decolonisation, self-determination, Identity, First Nations matriarchy, queerness, justice, love, liberation, and truth-telling. The backdrop to Returning is a time of huge upheaval with natural disasters, COVID and the Black Lives Matter Movement.

'Each poem is accompanied by evocative and poignant artwork that was created in response to its poem and vitalises its meaning. The artworks, visual poems, were originally shown at SHAC Gallery, Gundungurra land, in 2021 in the exhibition named Returning. Kirli’s multi-disciplinary artworks span across a range of mediums and displays, including but not limited to water colour, ink on hand-dyed silk, synthesising digital imagery with text, and installations of hand-crafted possum skin cloaks and weavings.

'Returning was developed with consultation and guidance from First Nations Elders, Custodians, academics and artists.' (Publication summary)

'First Nations peoples in settler-colonial Australia know what it is to be dehumanised, to exist in systems and structures that criminalise and oppress us and our lands and cultures. Curious about the ways forward in a reality that can at times feel deeply debilitating, Kirli Saunders sought the wisdom of two First Nations facilitators from the company Shifting Ground who work with organisations and individuals to foster decolonising practices to pave the path towards a radically hopeful future. With respect and acknowledgement, this conversation took place digitally across unceded Yawuru lands, Larrakia Country and Dharawal lands.' (Introduction)

'Goodjagah, little one, walk with me ... I want to tell you our Dreaming as the Elders told it to me. Award-winning storytellers, Gunai woman Kirli Saunders and Bigambul man Dub Leffler, explore a deep love and respect for Country and all her spirits ... past, present and beyond.'  (Publication summary)

'In On Identity, Stan Grant talks of the 99.9% of DNA that we as humans share, and the 0.01% of separation that exists within the space of difference between us. Within race, religion, gender and sexuality.

This story speaks to that space, and the absence of it. To our belonging and isolation. To the power of oppression and the greater power of reclaim.'

(Source : Verity La)