MB062011
1989
Language Group:Alyawarre
Country:Atnangkere, Utopia Region, North East of Alice Springs, Northern Territory
Medium:Acrylic on Canvas
Subjects:Wild Flowers, Arnkerrthe (Mountain Devil Lizard) Dreaming, Ntyerrm (Seed of the Dogwood Tree), Alpite (Wild Flowers)
Rosabella began painting in September 2007, reaching out to Mbantua Gallery for canvas to explore her interest in becoming an artist like her mother, Marcia Turner, and her younger sister, Sacha Long. Discovering a natural flair for painting, Rosabella embraced the craft and has since continued to create beautiful artwork. She paints the Dreamtime story of the Arnkerrthe, a figure from her father's country, Atnangkere, which traveled across her land, creating people, sacred sites, songs and other Dreamtime stories. The Arnkerrthe carries a sac of ochre used in ceremonies, a detail reflected in Rosabella's work.
Although Rosabella inherited the story from her father, her painting style is influenced by her mother and her extended family, including artists Jennifer, Judy, Maureen and Jedda Purvis. Her artwork features an array of beautiful, bold colors and soft brushstrokes, reflecting the diverse and vibrant styles of her family.
Rosabella's painting represents Alpite (Wild Flowers) which bloom after a good rain. The women collect a lot of these flowers as some are sweet with nectar and others have medicinal properties. Other flowers are left as the women know that later in the season they will produce different types of edible berries.