Andrew Passi

Dowareb tribe – Torres Strait Islanders, Language Meriam

My name is Andrew S Passi snr I was born here on Mer Island (Murray) into a respected Passi clan, a family deeply connected to the rich artistic tradition of the Torres Strait. From an early age, I was surrounded by cultural masterpieces and the living inheritance of my people’s creativity and craftsmanship. My artistic lineage traces back to my great-grandfather, Ait Pasi, who worked closely with Alfred Cort Haddon in the late 1800s, preserving and sharing Torres Strait Islanders’ culture and knowledge.
Growing up in an environment rich in artistic influences, I naturally developed a passion for art. I first took up carving, learning through observation, practice, and cultural connection. However, my journey expanded when my cousin, the respected artist Segar Passi, encouraged me with simple but powerful words: “If you can carve, you can paint.” Those words inspired me to explore painting, opening another path for my creativity and expression.
One defining moment in my childhood shaped the determination that would later drive my success. Around 10 years old, after helping my father at the grocery store where he worked as a temporary manager, I asked my mother to tell him to buy me a toy as payment for my hard work. At dinner that evening, my father looked directly at me and said, “Your payment is right in front of you,” pointing to the dinner plate before me. I lowered my head to hide my tears, hurt by his response. But as I walked away from the table, something changed within me. I made a quiet promise to myself: “If you won’t buy me a toy, I’ll make my own.”
That determination became the foundation of my artistic life. Through talent, persistence, and self-belief, I built a successful career creating and selling artworks that reflect both cultural traditions and personal vision. Many of my paintings have sold for thousands of dollars, thanks to my ability to negotiate directly with buyers, demonstrating both my artistic and entrepreneurial strength.
Today, I am known for my versatility and dedication to the art. My work includes carving, painting, craftwork, and many other forms of artistic expression. Deeply connected to my heritage while continuing to evolve as an artist, I carry forward the creative spirit of my ancestors. Looking back, I now appreciate the hard lesson my father taught me, believing those moments helped shape the resilience, independence, and determination that define me today.