As a child raised by the old people of his clan, Kapua spent a lot of time listening to people in his community who told stories and legends. This included stories of their work effort, their success and failures, their celebrations and sadness, pre and post colonisation. There he slowly grew an interest in the cultural and traditional knowledge of his Meuram tribe. He understands and speaks the Erubian dialect of the Meriam language, and also has a good understanding of his wife’s, Florence Gutchen, native language and Creole. English became his fourth spoken language.
Kapua learnt to draw when he was in the Australian Army Reserve (22 years) C-coy 51, Far North Queensland Regiment and Reconaisance and Surveilance unit. On patrols they would sketch people, camp sites community infrastructure, shipping and boat movements etc. Overtime, Kapua realised that he could also draw things that he visualised in his mind.
Kapua’s artworks, particularly the works on lino prints, depict legends, ancient and contemporary stories, drama and dances. He also a traditional Island Dance song composer, and have supported or assisted community dance groups perform including interpretational work for Erub Erwer Meta artists. He joined Erub Erwer Meta Arts in an attempt to learn more about other forms of art and share his ideas and knowledge.
His main totems are Beugerr (Booby bird), Namkarr (Sea Turtle) and Omai (Dog). The people of his island are known as Erubam le. He has five children with his wife, three sons and two daughters.
As a child raised by the old people of his clan, Kapua spent a lot of time listening to people in his community who told stories and legends. This included stories of their work effort, their success and failures, their celebrations and sadness, pre and post colonisation. There he slowly grew an interest in the cultural and traditional knowledge of his Meuram tribe. He understands and speaks the Erubian dialect of the Meriam language, and also has a good understanding of his wife’s, Florence Gutchen, native language and Creole. English became his fourth spoken language.
Kapua learnt to draw when he was in the Australian Army Reserve (22 years) C-coy 51, Far North Queensland Regiment and Reconaisance and Surveilance unit. On patrols they would sketch people, camp sites community infrastructure, shipping and boat movements etc. Overtime, Kapua realised that he could also draw things that he visualised in his mind.
Kapua’s artworks, particularly the works on lino prints, depict legends, ancient and contemporary stories, drama and dances. He also a traditional Island Dance song composer, and have supported or assisted community dance groups perform including interpretational work for Erub Erwer Meta artists. He joined Erub Erwer Meta Arts in an attempt to learn more about other forms of art and share his ideas and knowledge.
His main totems are Beugerr (Booby bird), Namkarr (Sea Turtle) and Omai (Dog). The people of his island are known as Erubam le. He has five children with his wife, three sons and two daughters.