MARLENE NORMAN | ‘Ngat Puuy (Crab)’ | 2024 | Print

"My totem is emu. I am a Thayyorre women. Pormpuraaw is my country. I own this country and this country owns me. My ancestors have been here forever. When I was a teenager I went to boarding school in Herbiton. I lived there for a couple of years. Then I moved to Cairns. I did year 11 and 12 in cairns high school. I returned to Pormpuraaw when I was in my early 20s. I worked in child care for many years. I enjoyed working with children. I love to go fishing and camping. Getting out of town makes me feel good. I started making art in high school with my mates. We did a lot of pottery, jewelly and sewing. I started painting 2019. I enjoy painting. It takes it away my stress. I like taking my time and putting a lot of detail in the work. I look forward to painting many more."