All those good feelings!

$4,500.00

Well, these ones I painted, I was thinking about this from when my father was painting in the Todd River. Monday to Friday he was a butcher at Amoonguna, and my mother was a cleaner dressed all in green, and then come Friday afternoon, get the boards and then all day Saturday and Sunday do painting in the Todd River. Sitting near where that ding-dong is now, you know, that casino! We would sit down in the river, and he would make paintings and sell them, and buy food for us and catch a taxi home every night. I just love being an artist and seeing all those good colours and getting those good feelings. 

Marlene Rubuntja was born in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) and grew up at Amoonguna community, east of Alice Springs. Marlene’s father, Mr. W. Rubuntja, was one of the leading founders of Tangentyere Council and instrumental in gaining tenure and rights for Town Camp residents. As a community leader, speaking up for her people, Marlene has followed in her father’s footsteps. Marlene is both activist and artist. She has been instrumental in taking the Yarrenyty Arltere Artists from their small studio in their Town Camp out to a national and international audience. She has supported and nurtured the wisdom, skills, abilities and artistic careers of others around her. Marlene’s work as an artist, role model, and leader has been instrumental in growing Yarrenyty Arltere Artists into a vibrant and successful enterprise.