GREEN HIP & Happening - Genuine Stories from Genuine Women
Aimee McCartney, a proud Taungurung and Wotjobaluk woman has exploded onto the Contemporary Aboriginal Art scene in Australia painting her unique, intricate and eye-catching artworks. Known as Luruk-In, her extensive portfolio has captured a growing number of fans in just a three-year period.
Born and raised on Wurundjeri country in Naarm, Melbourne, Aimee grew up watching her mum and aunties paint and practice Aboriginal weaving. Always interested in creativity, it wasn't until the pandemic that she started painting again. An encouraging comment by her partner during lockdown began it all, 'Get a hobby, you're driving me insane!!' was the gentle nudge that got Aimee to buy a set of good paints and canvases. Aimee showcased her work on Instagram where it has thrived. The rest is history.
Her unique bright colours match her bubbly personality and are proving to be what Aussies LOVE! Her country inspires her craft; its waterways, mountains, soil and sand. Aimee has extended her artwork on canvas to much more.
Thousands of jetsetters see Aimee's artwork displayed on the new Jetstar inflight menus every day. A two year project from the initial plan and design, the Luruk-In artwork has now rolled out on every national and international Jetstar flight!
Aimee has painted her designs on footy boots for AFLW North Melbourne midfielder Mia King, and AFL Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli. The clubs actually send Aimee the player's boots where she paints directly onto the shoe with an acrylic paint and sprays them with a waterproofing agent.
Her artwork has even gone large scale with murals on the Kinglake Arts Council Basketball Stadium as part of the Dindi Arts Trail, an outback water tank, various walls and even a caravan.
Apart from inheriting her artistic flare, Aimee has also followed another path strong within her family. She is amongst 28 family members who have served in the Australian Defence Force since WW1. Working as a full-time Personnel Capability Officer in the Royal Australian Air Force and painting in all of her spare time, Aimee is giving both sides of her brain a real workout!
Aimee is also an avid Green Hip overalls wearer! She loves matching the bright orange and pink colours to her daily moods. Mostly she says that the soft fabrics are a godsend, particularly when she has to paint outdoors in the stifling sun. Once she wore a pair of overalls from another company made from coarse fabric and said it was a sweaty nightmare. With Green Hips overalls Aimee can keep cool and move freely.
You can see Aimee's artworks at www.lurukin.com.au. Or follow her on Insta @luruk.in
Thanks for the chat Aimee. We love that you're a part of Green Hip & Happening!