Denzel Coyne, a Noongar man with extensive ties to Menang and Goreng Country, has a life-changing experience. He’s recovering from addiction through the practice of traditional Indigenous artefact carving’s craftsmanship. As a descendant of a Stoloen Generation survivor, Coyne’s journey has been shaped both by personal tragedy and inspiring resilience.
His path started as a young adult in a rehabilitation program, where he first learned to carve artefacts. With the direction of an Aboriginal teacher, Coyne participated in a men’s traditional craft group to learn craftsmanship. This artistic discovery provided him with a thrilling new creative outlet. It also allowed him to rediscover and embrace his cultural background, and pay tribute to his late parents through his art.
A Journey Marked by Loss and Resilience
Coyne’s early life was fraught with challenges. His mom was terribly murdered when he was simply seven years old. After that, his dad focused on the task of raising Jason and his siblings as a single parent. Tragically, Coyne’s father eventually became incarcerated, forcing Coyne into a group home where he was further subjected to abuse.
Despite these adversities, Coyne was inspired to turn his life around after the birth of his daughter. He recalls a pivotal moment when he was given an ultimatum: “Go to rehab, or I wouldn’t be able to take my daughter home,” he stated. This ultimatum was the start of his renewed devotion to recovery and becoming a better man.
Reflecting on the impact of fatherhood, Coyne expressed, “Since having my daughter, [that] has changed my world.” He’s convinced that it was becoming a father that opened his eyes and forced him to reconsider his life direction. “I think I needed a daughter to change my direction in life, really help me look at life in a whole new light,” he added.
The Healing Power of Creation
Coyne’s experience with artefact carving has been an essential pillar of his recovery. For him, the creative process sharpens his focus and draws him closer to his culture in a deeply meaningful way. He describes his experience while crafting these artefacts: “When I’m making the artefacts, I’m talking to the wood; I’m not here in a sense, I’m somewhere else.”
He recalls the pride he felt upon completing his first piece, saying, “When I first made my first one, I was so proud, I couldn’t believe that I did it.” It is through this artistic endeavor that Coyne has found not just solace, but a means to repair his eroded spirit. He recognizes that the connection he feels to his culture while creating is deeply impactful: “And the connection that I feel to my culture while making them, it’s hard to describe, but I know making this stuff has helped heal my spirit.”
Denzel Coyne would like his journey to be an example to other young people dealing with the same demons. He believes that sharing knowledge and culture is essential for healing, stating, “I think we could help lots of people, you know, just heal.”
A Shared Vision for Cultural Empowerment
Coyne’s partner, Penelope Williams, has followed Coyne’s lead with her own contribution to this cultural revival via their business, Born Wirn. He has pushed her to forge her own path, deepening her understanding of the women’s side of traditional artefact production. Williams is determined to continue moving toward their collective dream of reconnecting with Indigenous culture through artisanal craft.
While she acknowledges the limitations imposed by traditional gender roles in Indigenous culture, Williams took initiative in her learning process. She remarked, “He couldn’t show me because it was woman side of things, but I think he trusted that I would be able to do it.” Her tenacity has empowered her to make an indelible mark of her own on their family business.
Together, they’re not just strengthening family connections – they’re empowering their community through cultural connection and activism. Williams emphasizes the importance of passing down knowledge: “We’re giving them knowledge and culture that was taken.” Through their efforts, they hope to pave the way for healing and growth, both within themselves and for those around them.
