RUBEN AMBRYM | 'Yarrabah Bay Turtle Hunting' | Etching with Chine Colle

Ruben Ambrym is of Kuku Yalanji and South Sea Islander heritage and has lived in Yarrabah all of his life. He is married to Edna Ambrym and is the father of Valmai Pollard – both practising artists at Yarrabah Art Centre.

Ruben spends most of his days at the Yarrabah Arts and Cultural Precinct, in both his role as the carer for the grounds and as an emerging artist. When he is not at work, he is outdoors enjoying the scenery of Yarrabah, spending time with family and fishing and hunting at his favoured spots.

The influence from his creative family and employment as the groundsmen introduced him to art making when he undertook an etching workshop at the Art Centre over 3 years ago. Since then, he has continued to develop his creative practice in the mediums of lino printing, etching, painting, pottery and textiles. Ruben’s work embodies the diversity of food sources from the land and sea and celebrates the uniqueness of the Yarrabah lifestyle and environment. 

RUBEN AMBRYM | 'Yarrabah Bay Turtle Hunting' | Etching | 2009 | Edition of 30