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Printmaking (Linoprint)

The traditional lands of the Martu people encompass the Great Sandy Desert and Rudall River regions of Western Australia, and include speakers of Manyjilyjarra, Warnman, Kartujarra, Putijarra and Martu Wangka languages. Martumili Artists work in the Newman based gallery and studio spaces, as well as within remote Aboriginal communities Punmu, Parnngurr, Kunawarritji, Jigalong, Irrungadji (Nullagine), and Warralong. Recognised for their diverse, energetic and unmediated painting styles, their works reflect the dramatic geography and scale of their homelands.

The artists are predominantly painters, working in acrylics and oils, though many also weave baskets from gathered grasses and wool. Popular mediums among younger Martu artists include photography and animation. In this artwork, the process of printmaking has been explored to expand the artist’s creative repertoire. Through workshops in the Newman Studio, Martumili Artists have learnt to translate their designs to linoprint, using a printmaking press to edition their work.

Categories: Shire of East Pilbara (Martumili Artists)

Name: Corban Bamba Clause Williams

Language: Manyjilyjarra

Community: Parnngurr

Biography:

"My name is Corban Clause Williams. 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- this is my home. I like to travel but I worry about home. When I was younger I went to Newman Primary School and Newman Senior High School.

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 work teaching Cultural Awareness with KJ (Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa, ranger organisation) teaching Cultural Awareness, and help the YMCA with youth programs. I work at Martumili too, helping to sell the paintings and get the canvas ready. With Martumili I travelled too. Gold Coast was my first big trip and [I've been to] Perth, Adelaide and Sydney. 

I'm [also] a Martumili artist. I come to Martumili to paint about my Country, where my grandfather walked around and collected food, and visited the same rockholes I do. I paint to keep my culture and stories and share with others. Sometimes I paint with my nanna Jakayu [Biljabu] (dec.). I learn from her a little bit. My skin name is Milangka and Kaalpa (Kalypa, Canning Stock Route Well 23) is my grandfather Country. I was really happy to go see my grandfather's Country- pukurlpa (happy). When I paint I feel like its home. Doing it on the canvas,  feel like I'm standing there back at home."

- Corban Clause Williams

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