Willara Barker

‘I first started doing art when I was about seventeen. My painting knowledge has been passed down to me from my father. I used to paint goannas, turtles, and dancers and singers – similar to what I paint now.’

‘My name means moon in Nyangumarta. I was born in NSW in Lismore but came back here when I was only a baby and have lived in Port Hedland all my life. I went to school in South Hedland Primary School and did a few jobs like video production and secretary keeping. For the last twenty years I’ve also worked on the committee at Bloodwood Tree Association, where my father was a founder.

I first started doing art when I was about seventeen.

My painting knowledge has been passed down to me from my father. I used to paint goannas, turtles, and dancers and singers – similar to what I paint now. It was a hobby for me but I also wanted to sell paintings. Auntie Lesley (Kelly) invited me to come along to the Spinifex Hill Artists. I’ve learnt to do bigger paintings since I’ve been here. 

It’s nice to get away from home and to paint with other artists. You get to explore new art ideas – I’ve started doing different types of painting now, and seeing what works and doesn’t work. I’ve been painting with the Spinifex Hill Artists for three (this would be more by now) years now, and my painting has developed a lot since I started with this group.’ 

Language group: Warnman / Kariyarra