We just went to Irrpmankara for ngurrlpa (bush tobacco) and also family picnic. Having family time, setting up the fire to cook marna, eat marna (food). Like fish and roo tails, potato, pumpkin and more. Some kids like swimming too, even when cold weather. You know my son Dean, he always wants to go swimming. Irrpmankara, Running Waters and Boggy Hole, it’s my partner’s Country.
Dalissa Brown was born in Mparntwe in 1997 and grew up in Ntaria (Hermannsburg). Dalissa is the youngest of all the Hermannsburg Potters. She started working at the pottery in 2020 at 23 years old, working alongside her grandmother and artist Dawn Wheeler, who has been teaching her stories and how to make pots. Also present with Dalissa in the studio is her mother, fellow artist Shirley Wheeler and her daughter, much loved Layla. Dalissa’s painting and building skills developed phenomenally as she has applied herself to studies in ceramics through TAFE at Charles Darwin University. Dalissa was a finalist in the 2024 Ravenswood Women’s Art Prize in the Indigenous Emerging Artist category.
Desert Mob is presented annually in Mparntwe | Alice Springs on Arrernte Country.
On behalf of Desart’s staff and art centre members, the Executive Committee humbly and respectfully acknowledge the Arrernte Apmereke Artweye (Traditional Owners) and Kwertengerle (Traditional Managers) of Mparntwe.
Desart respectfully advises Aboriginal readers that this website may contain names, images and artworks of people who have passed away.
