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Mossman River Design

The Mossman River is very important to me and my family. Laurence, my partner and the father of our 5 children, is one of the Traditional Owners of this area. We both grew up along the river and Laurence’s grandparents used to live in a hut next to the river. In the hot season, we used to camp there with our families. Laurence would teach me and later our children how to dive for turtle and fish. We would cross the river to hunt and collect bush food. Back at the camp, we would make fire, cook our damper and fish in an earth oven and share with our families.

Name: Vanessa Cannon


Language: Kuku Yalanji, Kuku Nyungkul


Community: Mossman


Biography:

I grew up in Mossman, it is my home, and did my schooling here. I have one sister and eight brothers, and I now have five children and two grand-children of my own.

 

As an artist, I am most interested in screen printing on fabric and making ceramics. I’m keen to continue developing my work for further exhibition opportunities and grow my talent as an artist. I came to the arts through my grandmothers and aunties. I watched them when I was a child and later when I was a young woman I started doing art myself and worked alongside them.

 

A few years ago, a became an arts worker at Yalanji Arts and I am now responsible for the art studio and look after our artists. We have a pottery and screen printing master who provide studio support, and helps us by developing our printing and pottery skills.

 

I’ve been exhibiting my work in group exhibitions since 2012 and have had my textiles and fashion designs shown in various fashion performances over the years. It’s very encouraging to me, and working with Yalanji Arts has opened these doors for me, and allowed me to also continue telling the stories of my culture. It’s something I wish for every person to have the chance to do.


© the artist / art centre