FLG is delighted to present a selection of gorgeous stoneware pieces from the talented artists at Ernabella Arts.
Having celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2023 the ceramics studio at Ernabella is made up of artists working on both hand-built and wheel thrown vessels. The distinctive 'sgraffito' design technique they are known for enables them to tell their stories of Law, Culture and connection to Country. Some artists also create their own sculptural pieces and others work together with the ceramics manager to develop forms unique to each artist.ARTIST PROFILES:
Derek Jungarrayi Thompson is the maternal grandson of Papunya Tula artist Makinti Napanangka. He came to work at Ernabella Arts in 2011 during the first men-only ceramic workshop. He has been a past finalist in the NATSIAAs (National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards).
Carlene Thompson is a leading artist in the Ernabella community. At various times she has sat on the Board of Ernabella Arts and was the Chair for several years. She is currently a Board member of Ku Arts. Carleneoften tells the story in her artworks of the creation being of her family's country, the kalaya (emu). Carlene's art has been shown in many exhibitions both nationally and internationally. It has also been acquired for the Goulburn Regional Art Gallery Collection and the Queensland Art Gallery Collection. Carlene has been a finalist in the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards three times. In 2019 Carlene had her first solo show Kalaya Ngura- Emu Country at Alcaston Gallery in Victoria, and in 2021 her first solo exhibition at Sabbia Gallery in Sydney.
Langaliki Lewis is the daughter of senior artist Atipalku Intjalki (painter) and Adrian Intjalki (timber artist) and mother to three daughters. Langaliki began working at the Ernabella TAFE and later the community office and then store. She is an up and coming artist who is also showing great promise in her sensitive depictions of her country on canvas.
Elizabeth Dunn depicts her grandmother's country on canvas, a place named Piltati near Nyapari. She also portrays stories relating to kampurara (bush tomatoes) on ceramics. In 2016 she was part of an Ernabella Arts collaborative ceramics installation that was acquired by the National Museum of Australia. In 2018 Elizabeth was shortlisted for the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award and was the winner of the Indigenous Award, Port Hacking Potter Group 50th National Pottery Competition.
Anne Nginyangka Thompson is a qualified interpreter as well as an artist. She delivered an address at the Australian Ceramics Triennale conference on the role of young people at Ernabella Arts and the importance of art centres in remote communities. In 2014 and 2022 Anne was the winner of the Shepparton Arts Museum’s prestigious Indigenous Ceramic Art Award and her work was acquired for their collection. In 2023 Anne won the Wandjuk Marika Memorial 3D Award at the Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards for her ceramic artwork.
Vivian Pingkayi Thompson was born in Alice Springs and has lived all her life in Ernabella. Vivian first started creating artwork while in school, and she also learnt the traditional way of milpatjunanyi (telling stories in the sand). Vivian has been painting at the art centre since 2004, and began working with ceramics in 2009. That year she was part of the Remote Communities Ceramic Project, and did a residency at ANU's Ceramic Workshop. In 2009 Vivian’s work was acquired by the National Gallery of Australia.
FLG is a signatory of the Indigenous Art Code.
