Shirley (Yumala) Collins, Spinifex & Emu Country

Shirley (Yumala) Collins, Spinifex & Emu CountryShirley (Yumala) Collins Spinifex & Emu Country, 2021 Mixed Media, translucent fabric with loose open weave, acrylics, polymer, adhesive & natural fibre of raffia 39cm x 22cm x 12cm Inspired by My Country of Mt. Isa outback, of the spinifex on Country and the colours of the dry harsh lands, I have created a Cooliman shape that is indicative of our traditional design. It is a functional piece that I have recreated in the form of a contemporary

Glancing around

They live in big burrows in the sand ridge

there’s a big croc in that same river

which is both delicate and strong

I based my artwork on knowledge and education that our Elders have

'Grevillea'

When all these elements work together the result is beautiful

with inspiration taken from both the reef and rainforest country of Far North Queensland and Austrian architecture and artists like Gustav Klimt

He commenced learning the art of carving at the age of 10 from his paternal grandfather from Thursday Island who wood carved

It was the spray from the water that turned the man into a curlew

The kulaps are woven from rope and made with seeds from Matchbox Bean (Burny Bean) tree (the tree produces the worlds largest legume)

But one day someone left the gate open