377815582366109

Published by CompNet Systems on

Nyurnma (burnt country)

This painting is about the landscape, bushfire (waru), and bush foods. Seeing the difference after the waru burns, it leaves some patches on the ground, and when the regrowth of the bush plants come back to life, it leaves a mark.

Well, I learnt that story from my grandmother—going out bush, learning about the different sides of burning. Talking about before burning and after burning, and how people go hunting after burning, looking for goanna. Teaching the younger generation where and when to hunt for goanna.

I learnt painting from my grandmother (Nola Taylor) and my grandfathers (Muuki Taylor, Wokka Taylor) by going out on Country, sharing stories, and learning from them about bush plants and bush food. I painted before, but going to Parnngurr and being around old people really opened my mind—seeing them paint and the colours they used. My daughter started painting with the old people too, and now she watches me paint their stories. I’d like to be an inspiration to her and to young people.

Categories: Bidyadanga Aboriginal Community LaGrange Inc

Name: Jenny Butt

Language: Mangala

Biography:

Jenny Butt grew up here in Bidyadanga.  She now lives in Parnngurr Community in the Pilbara region.  She lives with her grandparents who are renowned artists.  Jenny also paints for Martumilli Arts Centre 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.”

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.”

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