"I have two brothers and three sisters, I'm third eldest. I was born a Kelly, that's my mother's grandfathers name but grew up a Roughsey. When I was young before school I used to play with friends we used to walk around looking for bush fruits, my favourite was blackberry, they are found near the swamps. My grandfather was Timmy Roughsey, he was Dick Roughsey's younger brother. He used to be a traditional elder, he could sing all the songs, dance, paint up, he was a law man. We used to go to Kenthawu, there is a little outstation there, my father used to stay out there and work there, looking after the place. I used to run away from school, we used to go and play outside. Sometimes school was good.

I first started dancing when I was still at school. We used to have dance class, the old men would come to school to teach the young people how to dance. I went to three different boarding schools, Darwin, Townsville and Cairns. My mum and dad used to move around a lot so I went to a few schools.

I used to do art at home, making paintings like my grandfathers. I have been coming to the art centre for two years now. I like painting, just doing it. I like sitting with family painting, like the old men. I still going fishing, still love to catch those Barramundi. I like hanging out with my grand parents because they tell us stories, show you a good way for life. I look after my sister's children, my nieces and nephews, they are enough kids for me at the moment.

I am going to be an artist, that's the one thing I want to be. I'm always going to live here, on my island home. I worry for my family, always look after family. My favourite colours are red ochre, black, yellow, just traditional colouring. One day I want to have my own place."

Joelene Roughsey