Mother’s Story

This painting is about Dorcas Bennett’s mother’s country. Her mother, Nyurapayia Nampitjinpa, ‘Mrs Bennett’, painted extensively on this subject and here Dorcas reflects on her mother’s work and country and her own connection to this part of the lands. 

 

Dorcas Bennett was born at Wurturu rockhole near Kaltukatjarra (Docker River). After her birth her mother and father walked with her to Warburton Mission where she was given her English name by the missionary Will Wade. Her parents returned, walking with Dorcas to the Warakurna – Tjukurla area. Soon after her family came into contact with Bob McAuley and travelled with him in the renowned yellow Native Patrol Officer’s truck to the Amata settlement. From here Dorcas’ family walked to Areyonga where Dorcas began to attend school. After some time her family walked back to Amata and then returned to the mission in Warburton where they were reunited with many family members. Dorcas completed her schooling at the Docker River settlement. The Bennett family along with the Porter, Yates, Reid, Shepherd, Golding, Cooke, Mitchell, Butler, Burke, Newberry, Giles, Richards, Bates, Robinson, Prior and Ward families returned to the Warakurna homeland when it was established in the mid 1970s. Dorcas was married and continues to live in Warakurna with her extended family. Dorcas currently serves as an executive member of Warakurna Artists. She has been painting with Warakurna Artists since 2006. Her involvement with Tjanpi Desert Weavers has yielded her recognition for her grass and fibre sculptures. Dorcas is the current Chairperson for Warakurna Artists.