Jilaga (Karrajarri language) Wamala (Martu Language) is a bush tomato back at home in the community. We go looking for Jilaga and bush fruits with our family.
There are a lot around Sella Bore near Port Smith area and Angeliana Station, lots in the scrub round there.
Name: Jenny Butt
Language: Mangala
Biography:
Jenny Butt grew up in Bidyadanga. She now lives in Parnngurr Community in the Pilbara region with her grandparents, who are renowned artists. Jenny also paints for Martumili Artists in Newman but visits Bidyadanga from time to time. Jenny believes that keeping culture strong and passing down knowledge is essential, especially for younger generations.
“Learning history about the community, keeping culture strong, and listening to stories from the past. It helps to learn (teach) these stories so young people know where they come from. So they know what they’re part of.”
– Jenny Butt
She imagines a future without barriers, where “everyone would be able to speak all the languages.” A key part of this vision is taking young people out on Country while Elders are still here. “I see us going out on Country while our Elders are here, before they pass on, so they can share their story and knowledge.”
Jenny recognises challenges in her community, like “kids getting in trouble and people going into town,” but she believes art can help overcome these struggles. “Taking people out bush and beach, with older people working together with younger ones and sharing stories through painting and what they see around them. Getting in touch with nature. You feel free when you’re out with nature.”
Jenny’s artistic journey has been shaped by her Elders. “I learnt from my grandmother (Nola Taylor) and grandfathers (Muuki Taylor, Wokka Taylor) by going out on Country, sharing stories, and learning from them about the bush plants and bush food. I painted before, but going to Parnngurr and being around old people really opened my mind. Seeing them painting and what colours they used. My daughter started painting with the old people too, and she watches me paint their stories now. I’d like to be an inspiration to her and young people.”
– Jenny Butt
Jalgarmungarr (Bomb Shell) “Bardi people learn to live off the land and the sea. We use certain plants to indicate which animals are good for eating. For example, the wattle flower tells us the mullet Read more…
Untitled This artwork showcases the artist’s skillful use of colour, texture, and technique, reflecting a deep connection to their environment and culture. Each detail embodies the unique identity of Bidyadanga Artists, where the original five Read more…
Untitled This artwork showcases the artist’s skillful use of colour, texture, and technique, reflecting a deep connection to their environment and culture. Each detail embodies the unique identity of Bidyadanga Artists, where the original five Read more…