c. 1960
Language Group:Alyawarre
Country:Atnwengerrp, Utopia Region, North East of Alice Springs, Northern Territory
Medium:Acrylic on Canvas
Subjects:Akarley (Northern Wild Orange), Imuna (Bush Food), Country, Awelye (Women's Ceremony), Women's Story, Bush Medicine, Bush Tucker
Susan has spent her life between her mother's and father's country, located northeast of Alice Springs. Raised with a traditional education, she learned the songs, stories and dances for her country from the senior women in her community. Today, she resides on her mother's country, Atnwengerrp, surrounded by her large extended family. Susan began painting for Mbantua Gallery in 1996.
Susan paints the story of the northern wild oranges, known as Akarley in Susan's language. The wild oranges hang down on long stalks, turning yellow or a red tint when ripe, most commonly during the month of February. Young fruit are often ripened in hot sand.
There is an ancient Dreamtime story of the Akarley, belonging to her country Atnwengerrp, which Susan and other women of her country share with younger generations of women and girls.