I have been learning to weave with natural plant fibre since 2011. Annual visits to Mäpuru in North East Arnhem Land have become a ritual in my life. A time to leave the city behind and learn in a completely different way. Each two week visit involves learning by doing; weaving, collecting all the materials from the surrounding bush, helping to prepare the materials, as well as several other bush adventures on the side. After 10 years I am still very much a beginner.

Yolngu families at Mäpuru are dedicated to sharing and teaching about their country, culture and kinship, they are patient and welcoming and generous beyond belief. Behind each bathi (basket) there is far more than meets the eye.

The images above are of bathi I have made 2011-2019. Materials include: gunga (Pandanus spiralis) & balgurr (Brachychiton megaphyllus ) coloured with various local natural plant dyes prepared by the Arnhem Weavers

2011 ongoing