Emerging artists Louise Malarvie and Brenda Ningarmara bring to life the beautiful stones of their Country.  Both artists live and work in Kununurra for Waringarri Arts, yet Malarvie’s traditional country is much further south in the Great Sandy Desert between Paraku and Balgo. The artist interprets seasonal flood waters transforming vast areas of her desert homeland.  Her fine ochre dotting suggests a play of light, colour and movement representative of the sun glistening on the rocks and pebbles smoothed over and shifted by the large movement of flood waters. During her visits to Country Malarvie is transfixed by its beauty hence she has titled her new series ‘Pamarr Yara’ meaning pretty rocks in Walmajarri.  Her arts practice is a painterly meditation exploring feelings of connectedness, healing and spiritual longing for her traditional Country.

“I have painted all the bright and colourful rocks spread throughout the desert in Walmajarri Country.  All the rocks have different colours.   When the floods come in the cold weather, the water changes the colour of the rocks – some turn to gold, brown or purple and look like opals. It is amazing country. Every time I go back to visit, I see all kinds of pretty colours and I feel good. It wakes my spirit.  I feel more connected and close to the country; it makes me happy.”

Also working at Waringarri Arts is Miriwoong artist and traditional owner Brenda Ningarmara.  In a myriad of ochre tones, the artist paints the large coloured stones of her Country found along the river beds of Woorre-woorrem, outside Kununurra.  Originally made famous by her late mother artist Phyllis Ningarmara, Brenda re-interprets the work, her Country and their stories, by developing a vibrant and playful rendition on paper, canvas and prints.

“I watched the old people painting - that's how I got started. It teaches me about Country. I am ready to take over the stories of my mother.  I learnt from her to tell her stories and pass them on to my children and grandchildren."