My Story

My name is Jessie Mordey (nee Ketchell)

I was born and grew up on Tamwoy Town, Waiben (Thursday Island). I am a descendant of the Dauareb and Komet Clan and including the Kemer Kemer Meriam Nation and Maluilgal Wakaid Clan from Badhu (Badu) Island. 

I am a proud Torres Strait Islander woman with deep roots in my;

  • Cultural Traditions 
  • Stories, and connection to the land and sea of the Torres Strait Islands
  • Connection to Ancestors and Identity

My work is a vibrant celebration of my heritage, translating ancestral stories, symbols, and showcasing culture into contemporary artworks that connect people to Indigenous culture.

My unique style combines traditional elements with modern design, creating visually stunning and meaningful art that is both culturally authentic and personally expressive.

My Creative Journey 

While I’ve always enjoyed drawing, painting is a passion I’ve only recently embraced. My inspiration often comes from the sky above—I've had a deep fascination with space and the stars for as long as I can remember.

As a child, I would lie on the island mat, staring up at the night sky, searching for satellites and wishing on falling stars. Those moments filled me with wonder and a sense of connection to something greater.

Today, that same awe shapes my art. The backgrounds of my canvases are inspired by nebulae—the birthplaces of stars, or the final luminous displays at the end of a star’s life. They represent both beginnings and endings, transformation and mystery—much like the creative journey itself.

The Story Behind "Zomered"

The Passi Family roots connect to Meriam Dauareb Tribe from Dauar and Wada is their Totem.

Wada is Meriam Mir (Eastern Island language) name for Red Crest Frigate Bird

I use Wada symbol for my logo.

"Zomered" is more than just a name—it holds deep personal and cultural significance. It is the name of a village on Mer (Murray Island), belonging to the Passi family, and it's a name that connects me to my roots, identity, and lineage.

I was given the name Zomered by my late grandfather, Sam Passi, who was the respected head of the Passi Clan. As his eldest grandchild, this name carries a sense of pride and responsibility. When I return to Mer, my elders—Ata, Athe, Aka, Ama, Dad, Aunties, and Uncles—don’t call me Jessie. They call me Zomered, affirming my place within the family and our community.

Zomered Style Art

My work is defined by Zomered Style—a contemporary approach that stays deeply rooted in my Torres Strait Islander heritage. While the colours, forms, and compositions carry a modern aesthetic, the stories within each piece remain strongly connected to cultural identity and ancestral narratives. Drawn to shades of turquoise, blue, and green, I find in them the spirit of the land, the vastness of the sea, and the endless sky.

 

A recurring theme in my art is Mipla Totem—the totemic animals shared across my family lines. I depict these beings gazing back at the viewer with curiosity, existing like mythical spirits suspended between sea and sky. They are not just animals, but sacred presences that echo the stories passed down through generations.

 

I also weave Torres Strait Islander symbols throughout my work, embedding cultural markers that honour where I come from and invite others to connect with it too.

My art is:

  • culturally respectful,
  • symbolic
  • infused with Torres Strait ancestral storytelling.

My works reflect my identity and my connection to my culture and ancestors.

I offer visual identity, authentic cultural connection to inspire and strengthen knowledge of Torres Strait Islander culture.