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Untitled

This painting portrays physical elements of Martu Country, such as the dominant tali (sandhills), warta (trees, vegetation), and water sources. Rock holes, waterholes, soaks and springs were all extremely important sites for Martu people during the pujiman (nomadic bush) era, with many important jukurrpa (dreamtime stories) chronicling the creation of these landmarks. In the past the Martu lived nomadically, moving from water source to water source, and hunting and gathering bush tucker as they went. They would traverse very large distances annually, visiting specific areas in the dry and wet season depending on the availability of water. As they travelled and hunted they would also burn areas of country creating a larger diversity of plant and animal life.

Name: Tamisha Williams


Language: Manyjilyjarra



Biography:

" I was born in Newman hospital. Mum, Dad, Nanna and Pop lived in Jigalong before, but they moved into town before I was born. I’m one of seven children. I grew up in Newman , living with my mum and dad and my brothers and sisters- this is my home. I did my schooling in Newman at the yellow school [Newman Primary School and Newman Senior High School].

I was staying with my family in Punmu [Aboriginal community] when I was a bit young, with my uncle and aunty. I like to travel but I worry about home.

My Nanna and Pop used to take us out hunting for bush tucker. I’d help them make a fire and tea. Me and Pop would go out to the swamp area between Newman and Kumarina. Nan, Pop, Mum and Dad would tell funny stories about our family and make me laugh.

I started going to Martumili since when Gabe [Gabrielle Sullivan] was working there. Some of my family was painting there- Marianne [Burton] and Jakayu [Biljabu]. I used to come and watch them. I was maybe ten or eleven. I came with my brother Bamba [Corban Clause Williams] and some of the girls like Janita [Angie] and Sarafina [Mintern]. I just started painting, making art and then I started working there around 2014.  I'm still working there now. Sometimes I paint a little bit too, just painting whatever's in my head. I like painting, looking at the old people's painting, and helping the old people."

- Tamisha Williams

 


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