c. 1970's
Language Group:Anmatyerre
Country:Ilkawerne (El-go-an-na) , Utopia Region, North East of Alice Springs, Northern Territory
Medium:Acrylic on Canvas and Linen
Subjects:Awelye (Women's Ceremony), Alpar (Rat-Tail Plant) Story
Rosie is the second daughter of Lindsay Bird Mpetyane (dec) and Mavis Bird Petyarre. Lindsay, a prominent Utopia artist and senior leader of Ilkawerne country, was a key teacher of the Dreamtime stories.
Rosie began painting in 1989, guided by her father, aunts and uncles. She is part of a vibrant community of painters in her region. In addition to her artistic pursuits, Rosie works as a teacher's aide at Akaye School in the Utopia Region, where she assists local children in learning to read and write in both English and Anmatyerre.
Rosie paints the story of the rat-tail goosefoot or green crumbweed plant. In Rosie's language it is called Alpar. This small, erect herb is sticky to touch and scented heavily of citrus. Growing especially well in Mulga tree communities, it is found in abundance in Rosie's home in the Utopia Region, north east of Alice Springs.
