Ashleigh Pengelly – Founder, Artist & Dreamer

 

I am a multi-disciplinary creative with a passion for crafting functional art that sparks meaningful conversations.

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Growing up between Wagga Wagga and Leeton, our family moved between the housing commission suburbs of Tolland and Ashmont, then over to Wattle Hill in Leeton and back again. Coming from a big family, created an everlasting reel of memories- from playing cards with the aunties, the nights at nans house with the whole family, or the late-night walks around Tolland with the cousins. And now as adults, we are busy creating new memories with our children hoping to instill in them some of the same strong family values we grew up treasuring.

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From my early years in school i jumped at every opportunity to explore our culture further seeking it out from mob in our community as much as possible. With our beating heart of our family, our nan, Eunice Higgins, as our matriarch, our family has always been staunch in knowing who we are. We have survived more than most ever should being a family ravaged by Muscular Dystrophy, and that same strength fuels my art and my business, ensuring our stories- especially those we have lost, are heard, seen, and felt. As a Wiradjuri woman, those memories of family and our experiences often shape my artwork.

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More Than an Artist—A Mother, A Partner, A Daughter, A Sister

Before I am an artist, I am a mother, a partner, a daughter, and a sister. Family is my greatest inspiration, shaping not only who I am but also the work I create. My art is a reflection of love, connection, and legacy, carrying forward stories and traditions  for my child and future generations. 

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The Story Behind Little Black Duck

Little Black Duck is proudly located on Wiradjuri Country, in the quaint village of Uranquinty, on the outskirts of Wagga Wagga, NSW (Wiradjuri Country). It is a 100% Aboriginal-owned business, created in 2015 as a way to combine my love for creating, my culture, and sharing that with the world. I started Little Black Duck to create functional art that sparks meaningful conversations. Through hand-painted teapots, serving boards, candles evoking memories of Country, and wearable art, my goal is to bring Aboriginal culture into homes and everyday life.

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As a self-taught artist and entrepreneur, Little Black Duck allows me to forge a new path—one that showcases the brilliance of First Nations women in business.

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Recognising First Nations Excellence

My journey as an artist and businesswoman has been recognised through various awards and nominations:

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• 2021 Momentum Doctors Golden Crow Awards Finalist

• 2020 CGU Kayku Kumpa Award Recipient

• 2016 Wagga Wagga NAIDOC Young Person of the Year

• 2016 NSW/ACT Young Achiever Award – Career Kick Start Category

 

But beyond these achievements, my greatest reward is seeing my art in homes, workplaces, and on people who wear my designs with pride.

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Why I Do What I Do

Little Black Duck is more than a business—it’s a movement. It is about:

• Celebrating and sharing Aboriginal culture through art and storytelling.

• Empowering First Nations women in business and creative industries.

• Creating space for conversations that bring awareness, connection, and pride in our culture.

 

By supporting Little Black Duck, you’re not just purchasing art—you’re investing in First Nations storytelling, sovereignty in business, and the continuation of cultural knowledge.

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Mandaang guwu, (thank you) for being part of this journey.
Ashleigh