Returned from the Kimberley

The Bouddi Gallery art director Ms Jody Deamer has returned from a trip to the Kimberley where she spent time meeting with Aboriginal artists and buying their work.

Ms Deamer said the trips to the Outback not only enabled her time to purchase new and interesting work to sell at the Killcare gallery but also nurture her ongoing relationship with Aboriginal-owned art centres.

On her trip Ms Deamer visited two Kimberley art centres as well as meeting with artists who paint at the Short St Gallery Annexe.

"Short St acts as an outlet for the five Kimberley art centres and The Annexe as a workspace for the Yulparija artists from the Bidyadanga community who do not have an art centre," Ms Deamer said.

"Bidyadanga emerged as an art area 10 years ago, with some of the most exciting and colourful Aboriginal art from The Kimberley, telling the stories of the Great Sandy Desert peoples.

"Currently, there is a two year waiting list for work by renowned Bidyadanga artist Daniel Walbidi.

"The selection of work at Short St is stunning and together with Shorts St's manager Abi Temby, I selected Susie "Ju Ju" Gilbert's work to showcase at The Bouddi Gallery in Killcare."

Ms Deamer also flew to Mangkaja Arts at Fitzroy Crossing where she met with senior and emerging artists.

"I love going bush and spending time with these painters," Ms Deamer said.

"They have a unique sense of humour and view of the world that always leaves me overjoyed and in awe.

"I drove the four hours back to Broome with centre manager Katie McGuire.

"That was a real treat, except for nearly hitting a stray cow and running off the road, as we got to talk in depth about the Kimberley art world and how we might be able to further raise awareness of Kimberley art with some group art centre exhibitions."

Ms Deamer also spent time at the newly completed Mowanjum Art Centre, off the Gibb River Rd, just outside Derby, famous for its depictions of the Wandjina Spirits.

As a unique privilege, she was given a personal cultural tour and lecture by art centre trainee Rachael Umbagai and was introduced to Aboriginal artists Gordon Barunga and his partner Gabriella Dolby.

Work from Mowanjum will be at The Bouddi Gallery later in the year.

The Bouddi Gallery is located at shop 5/1 Killcare Rd, Hardy's Bay, and is open seven days a week from 10am to 4pm offering a comprehensive range of Aboriginal art, history and culture books and DVDs.

Press release, 29 Jun 2010 Jody Deamer, The Bouddi Gallery