Marnin Studio is an Indigenous arts and therapeutic studio operating out of the Marninwarntikura Women’s Resource Centre in Fitzroy Crossing in the West Kimberley.
Marninwarntikura is a Walmajarri word. Marnin means 'women', Wanti means ‘big mobs of women’ and Kura means 'belonging to'. When said together, it means that women who belong to this region, these countries and each other, have come together.
These talented women create beautiful artisan products including painted boab nuts and exquisite textiles.
Contemporary designs
Products are contemporary in design and inspired by the women's deep knowledge of the local environment, culture and community.
A Designer and Artist in Residency Program has grown the artistic integrity of the program through working with the studio participants.
endota spa Founder and CEO, Melanie Gleeson went to Marnin Studio to meet the artists.
The photos below are from a day trip that Marnin Studio did with Melanie to show her the Bunuba country. Marnin Studio welcomed Mel to country, showed her the Fitzroy River and some of the bush tucker that was growing wild along the river banks including bush watermelon, bush passionfruit and gooseberries. Marnin Studio pointed out some of the historical sights including the old hospital, old police station, old mission and the old homestead.
endota spa is partnering with Marnin Studio to support the ongoing development of the social enterprise program and the empowerment of local Indigenous women and their families.
Marnin Studio designs carry the mark making of connection to country; inspired by the plants and animals that grow within the environment.
‘Within each design lies a conversation of priority, responsibility, family dreams and inspirations, creativity and politics, health and well being”
Marnin Studio artist Nita Williams's artwork is featured on our Mother's Day 2022 packaging.
Introducing the artists
April Jones
April Jones joined the Marninwarntikura Women’s Resource Centre Art Therapy Studio in 2007 to learn sewing and how to make curtains.
In 2014 she started working with Marnin Studio learning how to create block prints and screen prints, which she uses on paper, cotton, linen and silk. She enjoys painting bush tucker including echidna, emu and the turtle.
April lives in the community of Bayulu near Fitzroy Crossing in the Kimberley region of Western Australia and her language group is Gooniyandi.
Cherry Smiler
Cherry Smiler has worked at Marnin Studio since 2012 and learnt to do screen prints on t-shirts and fabrics in the late 1980’s. She lives in the Ngalingkadji community and her language group is Gooniyandi. Cherry likes to work with design and colour, and work with techniques. She enjoys working with the rest of the ladies, and sharing stories and ideas.
June Smith
June Smith lives in the community of Bayulu near Fitzroy Crossing in the Kimberley region of Western Australia and her language group is Gooniyandi. She started working with Cherry Smiler and some other ladies on silk screening and started working for Marninwarntikura women’s resource centre several years ago as part of the art therapy programme. She loves to sew; silk screen and lion cut block print.
Sharlene Chuguna
Sharlene Chuguna lives in the community of Bayulu and is the granddaughter of a prominent painter. Her language group is Walmajarri. Sharlene creates block prints and screen prints on cotton and linen.
Nita Williams
Nita Williams is an artist of the Junjuwa community. Her artwork, inspired by food, family and the environment is featured on our Mother's Day 2022 packaging. You can read more about Nita here.
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