Maurice Mickelo

Maurice Mickelo is a Kabi Kabi artist from Cherbourg, Queensland, known for his distinctive craftsmanship and deep cultural storytelling. Born and raised in Cherbourg, Maurice moved frequently with his family due to work but remained deeply connected to his heritage. He worked in the old Barambah pottery and the local boomerang factory, where he produced traditional artefacts and honed his skills. His background in pottery and painting has shaped a unique artistic style that is widely recognised and sought after.

Using a technique that reveals a shell’s natural layers, Maurice etches intricate patterns and motifs that often depict native animals and ancestral stories. His images are a reflection of his lived experience and cultural knowledge, developed through a lifetime of learning and creating.