For the Cossack Art Awards 2024 I wanted to paint the portrait of a local Yindjibarndi elder who I met during my time working in Roebourne. I was thrilled to hear that the City of Karratha purchased the portrait of "Tootsie" for the city's art collection.
How I met Tootsie:
In the heart of Roebourne, where the red earth meets the endless blue of Pilbara skies, I met an Yindjibarndi elder – Tootsie. Her presence commands attention, her eyes holding stories of her life and generations past. As she prepares for her talk back show at the local radio station, her voice resonates with authority—a blend of wisdom and determination.
Over the next three years I got to know Tootsie who served on the board of the not for profit I was working for. She often popped into my office for a yarn. Tootsie was up for everything, including participation in a local children’s film production on healthy eating where she sings the lyrics to “Sugar Sugar.”
One year, Tootsie was invited to accompany the management team of Ngarliyarndu Bindirri Aboriginal Corporation, for a planning weekend in Coral Bay. We hired a catamaran to spend an afternoon on the turquoise waters of Ningaloo Reef, and encouraged Tootsie to go snorkelling with us. This was a daunting prospect for her, but she was brave enough to jump in for the adventure. She was so thrilled afterwards because she is the first woman in her family to venture beyond the shore, let alone to see the treasures of the reef below the surface.
Tootsie is a strong woman with courage, who left an indelible mark on my heart.
