This painting was created during a workshop on the 18th June with Newman Futures in collaboration with Martumili Artists. The workshop was a way of generating ideas in regards to improving the spaces in and around East Newman from and for Martu.
Corban predominantly painted a water park, basketball hoops, footpaths, street lights, shade shelter, lots of grass and a lovely garden.
Name: Corban Clause Williams
Language: Manyjilyjarra
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]. 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
Two Countries: Kun Kun (Kuny-Kuny) and Nganjirr “Grandfather’s Country, not far from Well 33, called Nganjirr. Not far, [you] can go up by car. Go camping there. When it rains, fills up, then is dry. Read more…
Wantili (Warntili, Canning Stock Route Well 25) “Wantili is my place, where I was born. It’s a place where everyone was living- it’s all of their ngurra (home Country, camp). It’s the Jukurrpa (Dreaming) of that place. All Read more…
Kunawarritji (Canning Stock Route Well 33) “We went to Kunawarritji. We went out to see the waterholes with Kumpaya [Girgirba], my aunty – my dad’s sister. It’s the first time I went in a chopper Read more…