Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I am a Y
olngu woman, from East Arnhem Land, and a mum of three. I grew up loving sports and played soccer, netball and basketball consistently for most of my life. I love fashion and truly enjoy what I get to do with Liandra Swim and the opportunities it has allowed me to have.
olngu woman, from East Arnhem Land, and a mum of three. I grew up loving sports and played soccer, netball and basketball consistently for most of my life. I love fashion and truly enjoy what I get to do with Liandra Swim and the opportunities it has allowed me to have. Why did you create Liandra Swim?
Liandra Swim was truly born as way for me to share everything that I truly enjoy about life - my culture, the ocean and fashion! When my mum remarried, my step-dad introduced surfing to us, and a large part of my life was spent at the beach. Culturally the ocean is a really integral part of who we are too, being salt-water people. I have many fond memories fishing on the boat and playing on mudflats with my dad and aunties.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
It really can come from anywhere! There isn't one way to answer that, as it can come from how I am feeling, what I see or what I think needs to be brought to peoples attention. For example, my Community Collection was very personal for me as it represented my love for my island home and it's beautiful landscape in contemporary way. Whereas, my Deep Sea Collection is a commentary on society in general. I wanted to remind people that naturally we, as a collective society, clash and connect. It is something that has been the way of life, in different pockets of the world, for many thousands of years.
What is the most important thing in your life?
Without a doubt my family! I have three beautiful kids. No matter how busy my day is, I love nothing more than knowing at the end of the day I get to go home to my family.
Best holiday destinations?
Hmm... internationally, I would say Vanuatu. It has such a relaxing place and some of the most beautiful beaches and coastline. In Australia, I would have to say Nhulunbuy, for the same reasons! It is low-key, beautiful and close to home.
What do you love most about the work you do through Liandra Swim?
Liandra Swim pushes me creatively, to always think outside of the box as I build collections. I hand-drawn our prints and I am a really deep thinker, so each collection allows me to go into that space and put the pieces together. I also really love the people I get to work with and the friends I have made.
I genuinely love that I get to wake up and truly enjoy what I do, where I get to explore and how I do it.
What is your favourite social media channel?
Instagram, for sure. I am a very visual person, so I love being able to just scroll through beautiful images.
Are you more inclined to “build your own empire” or unleash the potential of others?
Definitely build my own empire, but in a way that I can create opportunity and potential for others to spread their wings too. There is just something so powerful and exhilarating about building something from the ground up but also by using that same thing to impact people, places and culture in a positive way.
I also think that it sets a good example for younger generations to show them that it is okay to take charge of their creative vision and economic future, especially in our Indigenous community. I want to be apart of positive change and help to create change for others too!
What would you say is one of your greatest achievements?
From a personal aspect, definitely having my beautiful family and just being really content and happy in that part of my life. In regards to my professional life, I would have to say still being consistent and having great partnerships with David Jones and The Iconic. I am also really proud of operating and growing Liandra Swim from my tiny remote island home, Milingimbi.
Izaac
Hey Liandra, I’m doing a school assignment and would like to know what technology do you use to create your work and What environment, social, culture or historical influences your work.
Bethany
Hey liandra, im Bethany.. in not too sure if this is the company ( Liandra Swim ) or The actual designer Liandra Gaykamangu. if this is Liandra Gaykamangu could you just give me a text on this email address. im doing an assessment on indigenous designers and Liandras designs just jumped out of the screen to me. thanks
Bethany :)