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JB Fisher – Sugar bag (honey) Story

JB Fisher often paints subjects related to the Sugar Bag story, a story he has inherited. Sugarbags, or Gulka as it is locally known, are the native honeys found in the bush surrounding Ramingining. 

In this painting, JB paints the honeybees. 

Sugarbag story is related to the Mewal place, a significant area represented by the special shaped rock, situated in JB Fisher’s Father’s Country, just outside of Ramingining Community in north east Arnhem Land.

Categories: Bula'bula Arts

Name: JB Fisher

Language: Marrangu

Community: Ramingining

Biography:

JB Gubalubarlulay Fisher began painting with Bula’bula Arts in the mid-1990s. Since then, JB spent a period of time working as an arts worker and artist at Maningrida Arts Centre, before returning to Ramingining where he now primarily resides.  

JB specialises in bark paintings and hollow logs, often using natural bush ochres. His works most often depict stories of Honey Ancestor, Mewal and the sugarbag story as well as bush tucker and totems reflecting the cultural knowledge and traditions of his Country.

Reflecting on his artistic journey, JB says:
“I started when I was young. I’ve been painting for 30 years and I keep going. My father used to paint while I was still crawling, and I would watch him. That’s how I learned, for singing and for painting.”

JB is the songman for his clan group. His ceremonial responsibilities are significant, and he is deeply devoted to fulfilling these cultural obligations.

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