221282335613

Published by CompNet Systems on

Maku – Witchetty Grub

Favourite bush foods of Anangu on the APY Lands include maku (witchetty grubs). Until relatively recently bush foods were the primary sustenance for Anangu. Many bush foods are still gathered regularly almost exclusively by women, and they feature strongly in women’s mark making. Women learn the art of gathering each of the foods from a young age and much inma (ceremony) relates to these practices and the maintenance of supply.

Anangu say that eating maku is good for the brain and mental health.

Categories: Ernabella Arts Inc.

Name: Derek Jungarrayi Thompson

Language: Pitjantjatjara

Community: Pukatja

Biography:

Derek Jungarrayi Thompson is the maternal grandson of Papunya Tula artist, Makinti Napanangka.

He came to work at Ernabella Arts in 2011 during the first men-only ceramic workshop. His figurative drawing work was already well advanced and he explained that he draws 'all the time at home.'

Derek is also an avid hunter. The translation of his drawings of the Pukatja landscape and animal life onto ceramics is quite unique and received immediate interest from collectors and curators.

In 2012 Derek undertook a residency at the Ceramic Workshop of the Australian National University, where he did pottery and printmaking. For many years his collaborative works with fellow Ernabella artist Ngunytjima Carroll were highly sought after and were selected as finalists in many awards including the NATSIAAs (National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards). Ngunytjima threw tall pots onto which Derek applied his designs and drawings using the sgrafitto technique.

Derek and Ernabella artist Tjimpuna Williams were awarded an Australia Council grant in 2013 to undertake a big pot workshop in Jingdezhen, China. This body of large scale works was exhibited at Sabbia Gallery in Sydney and in Canberra as part of the Australian Ceramics Triennale. In 2017 Derek's work was exhibited at Harvey Arts in the USA.

Derek continues to be a key figure and leading artist in the ceramics studio, using clay to create beautifully detailed renditions of Country.

Related Posts

Ernabella Arts Inc.

221282359885

Kungkarangkalpa / Seven Sisters Kungkarangkalpa means the Seven Sisters. This is an extensive creation story that relates to the Pleiades constellation in the southern hemisphere. The story traverses Australia taking on different forms, however local Read more…

Ernabella Arts Inc.

221282359884

Kampurarpa Tjukurpa – Elizabeth’s Story Kampurarpa are bush tomatoes. Elizabeth’s work comments on the environmental change that has occurred on her country due to the introduction of non-native fauna such as cattle, and flora, notably Read more…

Ernabella Arts Inc.

221282359883

Ngayuku Walka / My Design Walka means design or pattern. Artists use this title to describe artworks that are pattern based rather than descriptive or telling a story.

© the artist / art centre