Valerie Smith is a Widjabul Wia-bal and Arakwal woman born, raised and living in Lismore. She uses different art forms to share her experiences from childhood through to motherhood and teaching. Smith’s art practice deepens and strengthens her connection to culture while guiding her through difficult experiences. Smith says: ‘Growing up in Lismore the iconic Gollan Hotel was one of dad’s favourite drinking places. It holds many painful adolescent memories but now serves as the corner my father sings the songs he wrote in recovery. He broke guitars while in alcoholic rages, now, he hands them to me to paint... together through creation and sobriety we have found our cultural identity, healing intergenerational trauma through his song and my colours.’
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Val Smith Gubbariginal (detail) 2026, acrylic on canvas. Courtesy the artist.
