or make 4 interest-free payments of
$1737.50 AUD
fortnightly with
More info
1948
Deceased:2005
Language Group:Western Arrernte (Aranda)
Country:Ntaria (Hermannsburg), West of Alice Springs, Northern Territory
Medium:Acrylic on Canvas and Linen, Ceramics and Pottery
Subjects:Bats, Kangaroos, Lizards, Possums, Two Lizards
Esther was born in Ilparpa, Alice Springs. Her father was from Port Augusta, and her mother was a Pitjantjatjara/Luritja woman from Haasts Bluff. She grew up in Hermannsburg, working for the mission staff.
Esther became a member of the Hermannsburg Potters in 1993, engaging in both group and solo exhibitions. A skilled painter and ceramicist, she was among the founding members of the Hermannsburg Potters. Her ceramic works were highly regarded for their vivid portrayals of Country, capturing the birds, flora and fauna of the desert landscape surrounding Ntaria.
Esther paints the story of two lizards, known as Tjonpa, as they wander in search of food. Tjonpa is used to describe both perentie and goannas, which are types of monitor lizards. Esther's people traditionally hunt these lizards for food by digging them out of their burrows with their digging sticks. Once caught, the lizards are cooked whole over hot coals and ashes. Goanna meat is white, oily and has a taste similar to chicken. Beyond being a food source, the fat and oil from goannas are also valued for their use in traditional medicine.
The background of the painting represents Esther's homeland, capturing the distinctive landscape of the Ntaria (Hermannsburg) area.
