Steven Bekue was born and raised on the Gold Coast, where he now raises his own family. “Being a Saltwater man and growing up on the coastal lands of the Bundjalung Nation, I always feel the spiritual connection to the saltwater, and it gives me healing when I’m close to it. What inspired me to begin painting was watching my family members create amazing pieces of Indigenous artwork and I always had a passion for art. My love for art wasn't only because of the strong passion for my Aboriginal culture, it also gives me healing and coping mechanisms to express myself through my artwork. It makes me so happy to be able to teach people about our culture, keeping it strong and alive.”