Wall Art + yard + People

Characteristic patterning of the artist’s ‘Bones of the Earth’ style depicting the country where he was born. ARTIST PROFILE Rusty Peters Rusty Peters was born on Springvale Station- East Kimberley- Western Australia in 1935. He grew up and worked as a stockman on Springvale- which is the content of many of his works. The family relocated to Mabel Downs Station after his father was lost in a riding accident- and Rusty continued as a stockman and valued horse-breaker. The family then moved to the fledgling Turkey Creek Community (now Warmun) where Rusty took his place with the Kitja Elders in passing on the culture to the young boys. He worked with Hector Jandany and George Mung Mung who along with Jack Britten and Paddy Jampinji were to become the First Generation Ochre artists- all of whom are now deceased. In 1989 he moved to Kununurra and worked at Waringarri Aboriginal Art Centre- the first in the East Kimberley area. He assisted artists- in particular Rover Thomas (dcsd.) and learned the

ARTIST PROFILE Freddie (Gnarrmaliny) Timms Freddie was born at Police Hole- Bedford Downs Station in 1944. He was a stockman and worked on many stations in the East Kimberley- in particular Bow River Station which was granted by the Government to the Timms Family- with Freddie’s uncle the late Timmy Timms as Chairperson. Freddie painted with the best – Rover Thomas- Jack Britten- Paddy Jampinji- Henry Wambini- Churchill Cann. He has participated in numerous Group and Solo Exhibitions and his paintings have been collected/ acquired by the most notable Galleries and Collectors both in Australia and overseas. He travels frequently to attend Exhibitions within Australia- and lives between Kununurra and Frog Hollow Community to the south- with his wife Beryline Mung. The measure of Freddie’s status in the Art World is that his works have been included in the current prestigious exhibition - Great Masters: From Tradition to Contemporary Art- Aboriginal Art Museum- Utrecht- Netherlands along with only 9 other

ARTISTS PROFILE Madigan Thomas Madigan is the epitome of a strong Kitja Law woman. Born on Violet Valley Station just south of Warmun- she has always been a worker. As a child- she assisted the women with yard and domestic duties around the station- and learnt from her elders the very depths of her culture which remain with her today. On moving to reside on Mabel Downs Station after Violet Valley became an outstation (her son Bruce has now converted Violet Valley (Baulah-Wah) back to a working cattle station)- she assisted her husband Sandy- who was a stockman. Madigan rode with the men- mustered the cattle and undoubtedly kept up with the best. She educated her children whilst living in Wyndham and gave them the benefit of higher education – demonstrating how astute this lady is – she knew the importance of this and her children have succeeded- with Ethel becoming a teacher and later C.E.O. of Warmun Community- her son was the former Chairperson of Warmun Community- her eldest daughter- Shirley

ARTIST PROFILE Freddie (Gnarrmaliny) Timms Freddie was born at Police Hole- Bedford Downs Station in 1944. He was a stockman and worked on many stations in the East Kimberley- in particular Bow River Station which was granted by the Government to the Timms Family- with Freddie’s uncle the late Timmy Timms as Chairperson. Freddie painted with the best – Rover Thomas- Jack Britten- Paddy Jampinji- Henry Wambini- Churchill Cann. He has participated in numerous Group and Solo Exhibitions and his paintings have been collected/ acquired by the most notable Galleries and Collectors both in Australia and overseas. He travels frequently to attend Exhibitions within Australia- and lives between Kununurra and Frog Hollow Community to the south- with his wife Beryline Mung. The measure of Freddie’s status in the Art World is that his works have been included in the current prestigious exhibition - Great Masters: From Tradition to Contemporary Art- Aboriginal Art Museum- Utrecht- Netherlands along with only 9 other

ARTIST PROFILE Rusty Peters Rusty Peters was born on Springvale Station- East Kimberley- Western Australia in 1935. He grew up and worked as a stockman on Springvale- which is the content of many of his works. The family relocated to Mabel Downs Station after his father was lost in a riding accident- and Rusty continued as a stockman and valued horse-breaker. The family then moved to the fledgling Turkey Creek Community (now Warmun) where Rusty took his place with the Kitja Elders in passing on the culture to the young boys. He worked with Hector Jandany and George Mung Mung who along with Jack Britten and Paddy Jampinji were to become the First Generation Ochre artists- all of whom are now deceased. In 1989 he moved to Kununurra and worked at Waringarri Aboriginal Art Centre- the first in the East Kimberley area. He assisted artists- in particular Rover Thomas (dcsd.) and learned the many facets of the art trade whilst painting infrequently. He participated in printmaking workshops with Waringarri. He

ARTIST PROFILE Beerbee Mungnari Beerbee was born on Waterloo Station- Northern Territory in 1931. Like so many of the Kimberley painters of his generation- he was a stockman and drover- working on many stations including Argyle- Lissadell- Texas and Rosewood. Beerbee (pronounced Birribee) grew up on Rosewood- but recalls the family’s trips to Waterloo Station for holidays at Christmas. After retiring from stock work- he lived for a time at Wyndham- then located to Turkey Creek- where he and his late wife worked in the school and taught the kids – “it was just a bow shed then- that school”. He has six children – all of whom Beerbee says can paint. Denise and Marika Mung are emerging artists and often paint in their father’s style- whilst Sade Carrington is an established International artist. Beerbee lived many years at Frog Hollow community with his friends Jack Britten and Henry Wambini – he moved with them to Turkey Creek - after they were lost (passed away)- he now spends most of his ti

ARTIST PROFILE Freddie (Gnarrmaliny) Timms Freddie was born at Police Hole- Bedford Downs Station in 1944. He was a stockman and worked on many stations in the East Kimberley- in particular Bow River Station which was granted by the Government to the Timms Family- with Freddie’s uncle the late Timmy Timms as Chairperson. Freddie painted with the best – Rover Thomas- Jack Britten- Paddy Jampinji- Henry Wambini- Churchill Cann. He has participated in numerous Group and Solo Exhibitions and his paintings have been collected/ acquired by the most notable Galleries and Collectors both in Australia and overseas. He travels frequently to attend Exhibitions within Australia- and lives between Kununurra and Frog Hollow Community to the south- with his wife Beryline Mung. The measure of Freddie’s status in the Art World is that his works have been included in the current prestigious exhibition - Great Masters: From Tradition to Contemporary Art- Aboriginal Art Museum- Utrecht- Netherlands along with only 9 other

ARTIST PROFILE Beerbee Mungnari Beerbee was born on Waterloo Station- Northern Territory in 1931. Like so many of the Kimberley painters of his generation- he was a stockman and drover- working on many stations including Argyle- Lissadell- Texas and Rosewood. Beerbee (pronounced Birribee) grew up on Rosewood- but recalls the family’s trips to Waterloo Station for holidays at Christmas. After retiring from stock work- he lived for a time at Wyndham- then located to Turkey Creek- where he and his late wife worked in the school and taught the kids – “it was just a bow shed then- that school”. He has six children – all of whom Beerbee says can paint. Denise and Marika Mung are emerging artists and often paint in their father’s style- whilst Sade Carrington is an established International artist. Beerbee lived many years at Frog Hollow community with his friends Jack Britten and Henry Wambini – he moved with them to Turkey Creek - after they were lost (passed away)- he now spends most of his ti

Artwork Description Churchill describes the country as the north-west region of Texas Downs Station- depicting the old entrance road (now overgrown)- the large fence with open gateway still standing- Moonlight Springs to the west and Moses Springs east- with small stock “holding” yards surrounding the permanent water. The artwork forms part of a limited series of the artist’s impression of mustering cattle on the Station- with focus on the relentless heat and all-encompassing red dust of the Kimberley. Artwork is accompanied by a full suite of working images. ________________ ARTIST PROFILE Churchill Cann Churchill (Yoonany) was born on Texas Downs Station in 1947- where his father was a stockman and his mother worked in the station homestead. He speaks both Kitja and Mirriuwong. He spent most of his working life on Texas and followed his father's footsteps as a valued stockman and horse-breaker. He also worked on Alice Downs- Mabel Downs- Spring Creek and Lissadell Stations. Along with Dougie McCal

ARTIST PROFILE Phyllis Thomas Phyllis was born at Turner River (Kartang Rija) and grew up there. Her mother was Kitja and her father Jaru (desert-way). Phyllis worked around the station- doing yard duties and assisting with the domestic goats. Whilst in Wyndham- she met her husband- Joe Thomas- a stockman. She accompanied him to Springvale- then Mabel Downs. Joe worked at Bow River alongside the late Timmy Timms for Sam and Maggie Lilly- and much later when the Government granted the station to the Timms Family- Joe was granted an excision- and developed Rugan Community (Crocodile Hole). Joe was instrumental in setting up a school on his Community- and Phyllis taught the children culture – carving- painting and dancing. Eventually the school was closed and the children attended the larger school at nearby Warmun. Phyllis paints landscapes – particularly of Crocodile Hole which is a haven for wildlife- boab trees and permanent water. She is well represented throughout Australia and her entry in the

ARTISTS PROFILE Madigan Thomas Madigan is the epitome of a strong Kitja Law woman. Born on Violet Valley Station just south of Warmun- she has always been a worker. As a child- she assisted the women with yard and domestic duties around the station- and learnt from her elders the very depths of her culture which remain with her today. On moving to reside on Mabel Downs Station after Violet Valley became an outstation (her son Bruce has now converted Violet Valley (Baulah-Wah) back to a working cattle station)- she assisted her husband Sandy- who was a stockman. Madigan rode with the men- mustered the cattle and undoubtedly kept up with the best. She educated her children whilst living in Wyndham and gave them the benefit of higher education – demonstrating how astute this lady is – she knew the importance of this and her children have succeeded- with Ethel becoming a teacher and later C.E.O. of Warmun Community- her son was the former Chairperson of Warmun Community- her eldest daughter- Shirley P

ARTIST PROFILE Phyllis Thomas Phyllis was born at Turner River (Kartang Rija) and grew up there. Her mother was Kitja and her father Jaru (desert-way). Phyllis worked around the station- doing yard duties and assisting with the domestic goats. Whilst in Wyndham- she met her husband- Joe Thomas- a stockman. She accompanied him to Springvale- then Mabel Downs. Joe worked at Bow River alongside the late Timmy Timms for Sam and Maggie Lilly- and much later when the Government granted the station to the Timms Family- Joe was granted an excision- and developed Rugan Community (Crocodile Hole). Joe was instrumental in setting up a school on his Community- and Phyllis taught the children culture – carving- painting and dancing. Eventually the school was closed and the children attended the larger school at nearby Warmun. Phyllis paints landscapes – particularly of Crocodile Hole which is a haven for wildlife- boab trees and permanent water. She is well represented throughout Australia and her entry in the

ARTIST PROFILE Phyllis Thomas Phyllis was born at Turner River (Kartang Rija) and grew up there. Her mother was Kitja and her father Jaru (desert-way). Phyllis worked around the station- doing yard duties and assisting with the domestic goats. Whilst in Wyndham- she met her husband- Joe Thomas- a stockman. She accompanied him to Springvale- then Mabel Downs. Joe worked at Bow River alongside the late Timmy Timms for Sam and Maggie Lilly- and much later when the Government granted the station to the Timms Family- Joe was granted an excision- and developed Rugan Community (Crocodile Hole). Joe was instrumental in setting up a school on his Community- and Phyllis taught the children culture – carving- painting and dancing. Eventually the school was closed and the children attended the larger school at nearby Warmun. Phyllis paints landscapes – particularly of Crocodile Hole which is a haven for wildlife- boab trees and permanent water. She is well represented throughout Australia and her entry in the

ARTISTS PROFILE Madigan Thomas Madigan is the epitome of a strong Kitja Law woman. Born on Violet Valley Station just south of Warmun- she has always been a worker. As a child- she assisted the women with yard and domestic duties around the station- and learnt from her elders the very depths of her culture which remain with her today. On moving to reside on Mabel Downs Station after Violet Valley became an outstation (her son Bruce has now converted Violet Valley (Baulah-Wah) back to a working cattle station)- she assisted her husband Sandy- who was a stockman. Madigan rode with the men- mustered the cattle and undoubtedly kept up with the best. She educated her children whilst living in Wyndham and gave them the benefit of higher education – demonstrating how astute this lady is – she knew the importance of this and her children have succeeded- with Ethel becoming a teacher and later C.E.O. of Warmun Community- her son was the former Chairperson of Warmun Community- her eldest daughter- Shirley P

ARTIST PROFILE Phyllis Thomas Phyllis was born at Turner River (Kartang Rija) and grew up there. Her mother was Kitja and her father Jaru (desert-way). Phyllis worked around the station- doing yard duties and assisting with the domestic goats. Whilst in Wyndham- she met her husband- Joe Thomas- a stockman. She accompanied him to Springvale- then Mabel Downs. Joe worked at Bow River alongside the late Timmy Timms for Sam and Maggie Lilly- and much later when the Government granted the station to the Timms Family- Joe was granted an excision- and developed Rugan Community (Crocodile Hole). Joe was instrumental in setting up a school on his Community- and Phyllis taught the children culture – carving- painting and dancing. Eventually the school was closed and the children attended the larger school at nearby Warmun. Phyllis paints landscapes – particularly of Crocodile Hole which is a haven for wildlife- boab trees and permanent water. She is well represented throughout Australia and her entry in the

ARTIST PROFILE Phyllis Thomas Phyllis was born at Turner River (Kartang Rija) and grew up there. Her mother was Kitja and her father Jaru (desert-way). Phyllis worked around the station- doing yard duties and assisting with the domestic goats. Whilst in Wyndham- she met her husband- Joe Thomas- a stockman. She accompanied him to Springvale- then Mabel Downs. Joe worked at Bow River alongside the late Timmy Timms for Sam and Maggie Lilly- and much later when the Government granted the station to the Timms Family- Joe was granted an excision- and developed Rugan Community (Crocodile Hole). Joe was instrumental in setting up a school on his Community- and Phyllis taught the children culture – carving- painting and dancing. Eventually the school was closed and the children attended the larger school at nearby Warmun. Phyllis paints landscapes – particularly of Crocodile Hole which is a haven for wildlife- boab trees and permanent water. She is well represented throughout Australia and her entry in the

ARTIST PROFILE Phyllis Thomas Phyllis was born at Turner River (Kartang Rija) and grew up there. Her mother was Kitja and her father Jaru (desert-way). Phyllis worked around the station- doing yard duties and assisting with the domestic goats. Whilst in Wyndham- she met her husband- Joe Thomas- a stockman. She accompanied him to Springvale- then Mabel Downs. Joe worked at Bow River alongside the late Timmy Timms for Sam and Maggie Lilly- and much later when the Government granted the station to the Timms Family- Joe was granted an excision- and developed Rugan Community (Crocodile Hole). Joe was instrumental in setting up a school on his Community- and Phyllis taught the children culture – carving- painting and dancing. Eventually the school was closed and the children attended the larger school at nearby Warmun. Phyllis paints landscapes – particularly of Crocodile Hole which is a haven for wildlife- boab trees and permanent water. She is well represented throughout Australia and her entry in the

ARTIST PROFILE Phyllis Thomas Phyllis was born at Turner River (Kartang Rija) and grew up there. Her mother was Kitja and her father Jaru (desert-way). Phyllis worked around the station- doing yard duties and assisting with the domestic goats. Whilst in Wyndham- she met her husband- Joe Thomas- a stockman. She accompanied him to Springvale- then Mabel Downs. Joe worked at Bow River alongside the late Timmy Timms for Sam and Maggie Lilly- and much later when the Government granted the station to the Timms Family- Joe was granted an excision- and developed Rugan Community (Crocodile Hole). Joe was instrumental in setting up a school on his Community- and Phyllis taught the children culture – carving- painting and dancing. Eventually the school was closed and the children attended the larger school at nearby Warmun. Phyllis paints landscapes – particularly of Crocodile Hole which is a haven for wildlife- boab trees and permanent water. She is well represented throughout Australia and her entry in the

ARTISTS PROFILE Madigan Thomas Madigan is the epitome of a strong Kitja Law woman. Born on Violet Valley Station just south of Warmun- she has always been a worker. As a child- she assisted the women with yard and domestic duties around the station- and learnt from her elders the very depths of her culture which remain with her today. On moving to reside on Mabel Downs Station after Violet Valley became an outstation (her son Bruce has now converted Violet Valley (Baulah-Wah) back to a working cattle station)- she assisted her husband Sandy- who was a stockman. Madigan rode with the men- mustered the cattle and undoubtedly kept up with the best. She educated her children whilst living in Wyndham and gave them the benefit of higher education – demonstrating how astute this lady is – she knew the importance of this and her children have succeeded- with Ethel becoming a teacher and later C.E.O. of Warmun Community- her son was the former Chairperson of Warmun Community- her eldest daughter- Shirley Purdi

ARTISTS PROFILE Madigan Thomas Madigan is the epitome of a strong Kitja Law woman. Born on Violet Valley Station just south of Warmun- she has always been a worker. As a child- she assisted the women with yard and domestic duties around the station- and learnt from her elders the very depths of her culture which remain with her today. On moving to reside on Mabel Downs Station after Violet Valley became an outstation (her son Bruce has now converted Violet Valley (Baulah-Wah) back to a working cattle station)- she assisted her husband Sandy- who was a stockman. Madigan rode with the men- mustered the cattle and undoubtedly kept up with the best. She educated her children whilst living in Wyndham and gave them the benefit of higher education – demonstrating how astute this lady is – she knew the importance of this and her children have succeeded- with Ethel becoming a teacher and later C.E.O. of Warmun Community- her son was the former Chairperson of Warmun Community- her eldest daughter- Shirley Pur