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The traditional lands of the Martu people encompass the Great Sandy Desert and Rudall River regions of Western Australia, and include speakers of Manyjilyjarra, Warnman, Kartujarra, Putijarra and Martu Wangka languages. Martumili Artists work in the Newman based gallery and studio spaces, as well as within remote Aboriginal communities Punmu, Parnngurr, Kunawarritji, Jigalong, Irrungadji (Nullagine), and Warralong. Recognised for their diverse, energetic and unmediated painting styles, their works reflect the dramatic geography and scale of their homelands. The artists are predominantly painters, working in acrylics and oils, though many also weave baskets from gathered grasses and wool. Popular mediums among younger Martu artists include photography and animation. The group proudly maintain their creative practices whilst pursuing social and cultural obligations across the Martu homelands.

Name: Freddy Wildridge


Language: Manyjilyjarra



Biography:

"I was born on a cattle station, Mandora Station near Sand fire. All the desert people camp near camp 3, near Telfer.

They would gather there and then went to 61, Jigalong or came Broome way, some went to stations. My parents went to station life and I was born there. You had to work, there was no schooling, no kindergarten, had no choice but to work. When I was older some

of the kids went to La Grange Mission, they came from Walal, Anna Plains, Nita Downs Station. I went later when we had to walk of the station to the turn off, and hitchhiked to Anna plains and got a lift from there.  9 years of education years until 10,11,12 at Broome Christian Brothers College.

One of the things that inspired me growing up, you’ve got to work, be independent and get a job. In 2017 I began painting, what inspired me was that I was good at working with my fingers, drawing in the sand and when schooling in Broome I did art classes.

I worked with WDLAC as vice chair and Maru Trust on two occasions. I like story telling with the old people, going bush and camping when the old people. When they pass on, carrying their experience. Art seems to me to focus, paintings tell a thousand words and inspires me to express myself through my artwork."


© the artist / art centre