Some paintings begin with a colour. Bayley Mifsud's begin with a story.

Today, we're stepping into the studio of Merindah-Gunya, the creative practice of beloved contemporary artist Bayley Mifsud. Her joyful, unmistakable work has brought stories to life across canvases, school walls and shared spaces around Australia, and fair warning, you may finish this interview wanting to pick up a paintbrush yourself.

Before Bayley chooses her colours or makes the first mark, she thinks about what the artwork needs to say. It might begin with a conversation, a memory or one of those moments that stays with you long after it has passed. From there, the painting begins to unfold, with every line and symbol helping to carry the story forward.

As Bayley puts it:

“I never start with colours. I always start with the story.”

Known through her creative practice as Merindah-Gunya, meaning “Beautiful Spirit” in Peek Whurrong language, Bayley is a proud Peek Whurrong woman of the Maar Nation. Her culture is woven naturally through her work not simply as a subject, but as part of the way she sees, creates and connects with the world around her.

We have never been known to shy away from colour, so Bayley's work immediately had our attention. Her paintings are bright, energetic and full of movement, the kind of work that pulls you across the room for a closer look. But once you get there, it is the meaning within each piece that encourages you to stay.

Nothing is placed on the canvas simply because it looks beautiful. Every element belongs to the story, giving Bayley's work a deep sense of purpose you can feel even before you understand every detail.

Her art has also taken her well beyond the canvas. What began with one unexpected artwork has grown into a full-time creative career, opening the door to murals, workshops and collaborations around the country. In fact, you may have already crossed paths with Bayley's work without even realising it — our hearts skipped a beat when we spotted one of her Cotton On bags casually sitting in the corner of the Art Shed office, and we had been admiring her work without knowing it was hers. It was a small reminder of just how far an artist's stories can travel, finding their way into everyday spaces and becoming part of people's lives. Bayley has painted alongside children, transformed public spaces and shared her journey with rooms full of people, all while showing younger creatives that art can be more than something they love. It can become a life they build.

There is a generosity to the way Bayley creates. She shares her culture and perspective with pride, while leaving space for people to become curious, ask questions and find their own connection within the work. Her art invites you in rather than asking you to stand back and simply admire it.

For Aussie August, we wanted to celebrate the artists helping shape Australian creativity today, each with their own story, perspective and wonderfully winding path into art. Bayley felt like a natural artist to spotlight, not only because of the cultural stories carried through her practice, but because of the courage and possibility at the heart of her journey.

At Art Shed, we believe the most powerful art does more than fill a wall — although we are always in favour of filling more walls with art. It can help us see through another person's eyes, hold onto a story and inspire someone else to begin creating one of their own.

Bayley's work does exactly that.

We are incredibly honoured to introduce Bayley and Merindah-Gunya to the Art Shed community. In this Artist Spotlight, she shares the childhood experiences that shaped her creativity, the meaning and responsibility she carries through her work, the artwork that unexpectedly changed the direction of her life and what she hopes people feel when they bring one of her pieces into their home.

So without further ado, pull up a chair, settle into Bayley's colourful creative world and follow along as we get to know the artist, and the stories, behind Merindah-Gunya.

(Bayley's answers have been lightly edited for spelling, punctuation and clarity without changing her meaning or voice.)

Meet Bayley Mifsud

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your art practice?

I'm Bayley Mifsud, a Peek Whurrong woman of the Maar Nation from south-west Victoria, now living and creating in Wurundjeri Country in Naarm (Melbourne). My Aboriginal name is Merindah-Gunya, which means “Beautiful Spirit.”

Every artwork carries meaning through traditional Aboriginal symbols and contemporary colour palettes, celebrating connection to Country, family, community and culture. Alongside creating original artworks, I also paint murals, run workshops, collaborate with brands and schools, and love finding new ways to make Aboriginal art accessible and celebrated in everyday spaces.

How would you describe your work to someone who has never seen it before?

I'd describe it as vibrant, joyful and deeply connected to storytelling.

From a distance, people are often drawn in by the colours and movement, but when they look closer, they begin to discover the symbols and narratives throughout each piece. Every artwork has a story to tell, whether it's about belonging, healing, family, Country or celebrating life.

What are three words you would use to describe your art and three words your friends or family would use to describe you?

My art is: Joyful. Meaningful. Connected.

My family would probably say I'm: Creative. Passionate. Bold. They'd probably also say I never stop talking!

A Name Carried with Pride

Your Aboriginal name, Merindah-Gunya, means “Beautiful Spirit”. What does carrying that name into your art practice mean to you?

It's something I'm incredibly proud of.

My Elders and parents gave me this name during a naming ceremony when I was sixteen, and it represents far more than just my business name. It reminds me that everything I create should come from a place of generosity, respect and authenticity.

Whenever someone purchases my artwork or joins one of my workshops, they're experiencing something created under that responsibility and privilege.

Where the Storytelling Began

You were first introduced to traditional symbols at just five years old. What do you remember about that experience?

Some of my earliest memories are sitting alongside my family while we worked on our possum-skin cloak at Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre.

At five years old, I didn't fully understand the cultural significance, but I remember feeling so proud to be part of something bigger than myself.

Looking back now, I can absolutely see how those early experiences planted the seed for everything I do today. Storytelling through symbols has always been part of my life.

Your practice carries the sacred tradition of storytelling through symbols. How do you decide which story is ready to be told?

Every artwork begins with a conversation.

Sometimes it's with a client sharing their story. Other times, it's inspired by a place I've visited, something my family has spoken about or a feeling I can't quite shake.

“I never start with colours. I always start with the story.”

Once I understand the meaning I want to share, the symbols and composition begin to unfold naturally.

How has growing up in Victoria shaped your work?

Victoria is incredibly diverse.

From the rugged coastline around Warrnambool and the Great Ocean Road to the Grampians, and now living in Melbourne, each landscape has its own colours, textures and stories.

What does it mean to you to be an Australian artist right now?

It's both a privilege and a responsibility.

I feel incredibly grateful that more Australians are embracing Aboriginal art and wanting to learn about the stories behind it.

At the same time, I recognise that every opportunity I receive is also an opportunity to share culture respectfully, educate others and celebrate the world's oldest continuing culture.

If my work helps even one person feel more connected to Aboriginal culture, then I've done something worthwhile.

Inside Bayley's Art Practice

Behind the rich stories and detailed compositions is a painting routine involving music, matcha, quiet time, and one particularly handy art supply.

What is the most underrated art supply in your kit?

Posca pens.

I love finishing off the finer details of an artwork with Posca pens.

What does a typical painting day look like for you?

It depends on what I'm working on, but there's always music playing.

If I'm in the studio, I'll usually start with a matcha and a walk before I paint. I'll also put my phone on Do Not Disturb so I can paint without interruption.

Do you ever get stuck halfway through a painting?

Absolutely.

Usually, that's my cue to walk away for a while. I'll make a cup of tea, work on emails or get some fresh air and walk Benji and Kyro, our fur babies.

I've learnt not to force creativity.

Most of the time, when I come back with fresh eyes, it's a lot easier to continue.

Can you tell us about your favourite piece?

I love all of my artworks, but if I had to choose, it would be my Self-Determination piece.

It was originally my drop sheet, an unintentional artwork. More than 400 artworks were created on top of that drop sheet, and over time, it became a story of self-determination in its own right.

From a Blank Wall to a Full-Time Art Career

Bayley never expected the artwork she created for her own bedroom during COVID to become the beginning of an entirely new career.

You went from painting a piece for a blank wall above your bed to becoming a full-time artist. How did it happen?

Honestly, I never planned on becoming a full-time artist.

During COVID, I painted an artwork for above my bed simply because I wanted to brighten the space and create Aboriginal art again. It was something I hadn't done in years because I was working full-time and busy with sport on the weekends.

I shared it online, and people started asking if I'd paint murals, create commissions and teach workshops.

One opportunity led to another. I received commission requests from people who wanted to transform their homes while also showing their support for Aboriginal culture.

After a long list of commission pieces, I slowly realised this dream might actually be possible.

In 2024, I took the leap to become a full-time artist, and it's been one of the best decisions I've ever made.

Taking Art Beyond the Gallery Walls

For Bayley, painting, teaching, public speaking, murals and collaborations are not separate parts of her career. They are all different ways of sharing stories and creating connection.

Alongside painting, you teach, run workshops, create murals and speak publicly about culture. What connects all of those parts of your practice?

For me, they're all connected by storytelling.

Whether I'm standing in front of 300 people, painting a school mural or sitting with children during a workshop, I'm sharing culture in different ways.

Workshops keep me connected to community, murals transform public spaces and public speaking allows me to share the stories behind my work.

It also gives me the chance to show kids that being an artist is a real job.

Your work has appeared on swimwear, rugs, chocolate, children's books and more. What do you enjoy about seeing your art in those unexpected places?

I love seeing Aboriginal art show up in unexpected places.

Whether it's someone's favourite pair of swimmers, a chocolate block, a children's book or a wall in a school, every collaboration allows culture to become part of everyday life.

That's what excites me most, seeing Aboriginal stories celebrated well beyond the gallery walls.

You are also an ambassador for the Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation. How do art and education come together in that role?

Education creates opportunity, and art creates connection.

When the two come together, people learn in ways that feel meaningful and memorable.

If my art can help a child feel proud of Aboriginal culture or inspire them to ask questions about Australia's history and First Peoples, then that's incredibly powerful.

Creating Connection at Home

What do you hope people feel when they hang one of your pieces in their home?

I hope they feel joy.

I hope the artwork sparks conversations, reminds them of people they love and makes them smile every time they walk past it.

Art has an incredible ability to make a house feel like home. If my work can do that while sharing culture and story, that's really special.

Bayley's Advice for Emerging Artists

What would you say to young artists who don't yet believe art can be a real career path?

Don't wait until you feel ready.

I certainly didn't have everything figured out when I started. I simply kept creating, kept learning and kept saying yes to opportunities.

Your path won't look like anyone else's, and that's exactly how it should be.

Art is a skill, so get practising!

A Message to the Art Shed Community

To finish our conversation, we asked Bayley if there was anything she would like to share directly with the Art Shed community. Her answer felt like the perfect reminder for artists at every stage of their creative journey.

Thank you for supporting artists. Whether you're just starting out, have been creating for decades or simply love surrounding yourself with art, showing up keeps creativity alive. Keep making, keep experimenting, don't be afraid of getting it wrong, and remember that every artist starts with a blank canvas. If my work encourages you to learn a little more about Aboriginal culture along the way, then that's the greatest compliment I could ask for.

Explore the Work of Merindah-Gunya

From learning traditional symbols alongside her family as a child to building a full-time practice spanning original artworks, murals, education, workshops and collaborations, Bayley's journey is a beautiful example of what can happen when creativity, culture and storytelling come together.

Her work invites people in through colour and joy, then encourages them to look closer, ask questions and connect with the story underneath.

We're incredibly grateful to Bayley for sharing her practice, experiences and advice with the Art Shed community. You can discover more of Bayley's original artworks, commissions, workshops and collaborations through the Merindah-Gunya website and social channels.

 Explore Merindah-Gunya's work

 Follow Merindah-Gunya on Instagram

This Artist Spotlight forms part of Aussie August: From the Bush to the Beach, Art Shed's month-long celebration of Australian creativity, landscapes, stories and the artists who bring them to life.

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