Story: My name is Steven Russell. I was born and raised at La Perouse mission located on the North head of Botany Bay. I now live at Gerringong and have been here for about 15 years.

My link to the South Coast is through my grandfather and mother. My grandfather, Hubert Timbery, was born under the big old figtree at Figtree West of Wollongong on the South Coast of New South Wales .My mother Esma Russell was born at Port Kembla, which is a suburb of the Illawarra and we have family from La Perouse right down to Wreck Bay just south of Jervis Bay. The Timbery family is a big clan and we are all spread out down the south east coast of NSW, but La Perouse is our homeland and the south east coast of NSW is our country. We are saltwater people, fishermen! I am a painter, an artifact maker and storyteller. I talk about my growing up as a child at La Perouse. I paint about my country, Botany Bay and my drawings are of my memories growing up at La Perouse. Like the wharf and bare island drawings! My Ancestors, The Timbery clan, were on the beach when the first fleet came in to Botany Bay in 1788 and the suburb of La Perouse was established. I am proud to be a La Perouse boy!

I have completed an Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts & Cert IV Workplace Trainer & Assessor 2006. I have exhibited at Wollongong Art Gallery, Wollongong University, NSW Parliament House art awards & Paris in 2007. I have completed a public art project for Bondi Council with UAP in 2008.

I have sold various paintings and weavings to Wollongong City regional art gallery and am now in their permanent collection. I am also represented in the Wollongong University permanent collection.

In 2007 I became a Director of Boolarng Nangamai Aboriginal Corporation and am currently Chairperson on our board. I am proud to be actively ensuring a positive future for the younger generations of Aboriginal people in our community and making the east coast of Australia strong.

My inspiration came through my Timbery family who were great artists themselves. My grandfather and uncles were great arts and craft makers doing Boomerangs, Nulla's and Shields. My mother who is an artist in her own right is also an inspiration, making shell work such as the Harbour bridge, slippers, as well as shoe and jewellery boxes.