Start at Home No. 97 - Mavis Ngallametta

Mavis Ngallametta was a well-known Aboriginal artist from Aurukun in far north Queensland. She was a Putch clan elder and a cultural leader of the Wik and Kugu people. Mavis was first a skilled weaver and later, in 2008, became a talented painter. Her many large works of art show rivers, wetlands, coastlines and everyday life on her Country, Aurukun. She used natural materials like clay, ochre and charcoal, collected from the land she painted. Her artworks can be seen in big art galleries across Australia.

The Mouth of Kendall River shows the land around the Kendall River near Aurukun, which belongs to the artist. Mavis Ngallametta made this artwork using natural materials she collected from the same place. The painting shows cliffs, rivers, swamps and wetlands. You can see red earth and white clay from the land. Mavis painted the area from different viewpoints to show how it all connects. She even included herself in the artwork to remember her visit in 2013.

Questions:

• How do you think Mavis feels about this place, Aurukun Country?
• Why do you think Mavis used materials from the land

• Mavis’ paintings look like maps, showing rivers, wetlands and coastlines from above.
• Mavis sometimes included herself in her paintings to show she was part of the land she painted

1. Choose your place. Think of a place you love — your backyard, a park, the beach, or somewhere special to you.
2. Draw it from above. Imagine you are a bird flying in the sky. Draw your place as if you are looking down. Show paths, trees, water, buildings, or anything you see.
3. Add colour. Use pencils, textas, or paint. Try different marks to show grass, water, sand, or trees.
4. Now zoom in on something special. On another piece of paper, draw one or two things close-up — like a tree, flower, rock, bird, or animal. Add patterns and colour.
5. Cut and stick. Cut out your close-up drawings and glue them onto your map.
6. Bring it to life! Add more colour and details to make your place feel bright and full of life.
7. Add yourself. Draw a tiny you walking, swimming, resting, or playing in your special place.

Take it further

Add Movement: Make parts of your map interactive — like a flap for a tree that hides animals underneath, or a spinning paper wheel for the sun or moon.

• Paper or cardstock
• Pencils and erasers
• Coloured pencils, crayons, or markers
• Paints
• Paintbrushes
• Sponges, leaves, or pieces of cardboard
• A palette or small containers for paint
• Water cup