From Rdank Design to nardurna: How It All Began (May 2020)

nardurna didn’t start as nardurna—it began as Rdank Design. At the time, it wasn’t even a business idea. It was just a creative outlet on Instagram where I shared anything that inspired me. While the world was grappling with lockdowns and uncertainty, we were living in Darwin, where life felt a little freer. We escaped the worst of the restrictions, but the strange quiet of those times made me look inward. I found myself drawn to art as a way to connect—with myself, my memories, and my sense of place.

On May 6, 2020, I decided to officially share my work with the world. What started as a casual Instagram page became a space to showcase my patterns and designs. I started painting almost every day at our kitchen table in Berry Springs, with Remi, our adopted cattle dog, snoozing underneath. It was a grounding routine—just me, my brushes, and the stories that began to unfold on the canvas. Aaron would bring me cups of tea and whatever else I needed as I got lost in the process. It was simple, yet deeply fulfilling.

Back then, Rdank Design wasn’t about selling art; it was about sharing my creative journey. But as I posted my work online, something unexpected happened: people connected with it. They weren’t just drawn to the designs—they resonated with the stories behind them, the ties to Country, and the meaning woven into every piece.

That’s when I realised this wasn’t just a hobby anymore. It was becoming something real—a business with purpose and potential. The name Rdank Design didn’t feel right for this next chapter. I needed a name that reflected where I’d come from and where I was going. That’s when nardurna was born.

The word nardurna comes from my Gudanji language and means “woman.” It felt like the perfect fit—a name that honours my identity, my culture, and the stories I share through my art. Changing the name wasn’t just about rebranding; it marked a turning point. It was a moment where I stepped fully into this journey, no longer as a hobbyist but as an artist and storyteller with a vision.

Looking back now, it’s almost funny to think how it all began as a casual Instagram page at a kitchen table in Berry Springs. But sometimes, the most meaningful journeys start in the simplest ways—and those beginnings are what make the story worth telling.