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KAMBI – Fashion Collection, Doreen Collins, feather print.

I learnt how make string bags, dilly bags and woven mats during my time with the rangers on Crocodile Islands. I’ve been mostly a weaver but now trying painting and printing.

My fabric print could be leaf or feather, it represents my culture.

Bana Yirriji are currently collaborating with Fashion Designer, Shannon Brett -To create a collection of garments – as wearable art pieces – that promote the work of the artists of Bana Yirriji Art Centre, and the beautiful community of Wujal Wujal.

Shannon Brett is a Wakka Wakka, Gooreng Gooreng, Butchulla artist,
designer and educator, with many years of experience as a fashion designer and textile artist who has worked with numerous studios and art centres internationally.

Shannon has also worked with Bana Yirriji Art Centre for many years as an arts facilitator, and this year we are delighted to collaborate on our first fashion collection KAMBI.

Categories: Bana Yirriji Art Centre

Name: Doreen Collins

Language: Yolngu

Community: Wujal Wujal

Biography:

I was born in Katherine in the Northern Territory.  I grew up in Darwin and spent time in Milingimbi. I decided to move to Wujal Wujal in 2022 to spend time with my father's family.

I was inspired by my great grandmother Laurie Baymarrwangga (Gawany).  They called her the Big Boss, she won the Senior Australian of the Year Award in 2012. She passed away in 2014. She died when she was very old.  She helped to preserve our language.

My great grandmother encouraged me to be a ranger for the three tribes of the Crocodile Islands. She made one of her islands Gurribarr a wildlife sanctuary.  People can not go and hunt there without permission from the next generation of elders.

I learnt how to weave by my mother.  She taught me how to make baskets from pandanus using the coiling technique.  I learnt how make string bags, dilly bags and woven mats during a workshop for junior rangers.  

I've been mostly a weaver but now trying painting.  We might have a go at weaving in Wujal Wujal.  

 

 

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