Artist

Nancy Petyarre was born at Soakage Bore in Utopia in approximately 1938. She is the sister to the well-known Gloria Petyarre, Kathleen Petyarre, Ada Bird, Violet Petyarre, Myrtle Petyarre and Jeanie Petyarre.

She was married and became a widow young with six children, who also paint. Nancy, like the rest of the women artists from the region, worked in batik until the late 1980s when canvas was introduced. Her main Dreamings are “Mountain Devil Dreaming” and ‘Body Paint”.

She shared the story of Arnkerrthe, the Mountain Devil Lizard, with her sisters and each had their own, unique way of painting it.

Nancy passed away in 2009.

Artwork Information

This piece was painted in 1999 and is 60cm x 90cm in size.

This artwork is currently stretched.

Dreaming

The ‘Mountain Devil Dreaming’ Aboriginal art style refers to the Thorny Devil Lizard that is found throughout Central Australia. The lizard is a small but fearsome looking creature that belies its harmless and placid nature. The ‘thorny’ skin protects the lizard from predators and creates an effective camouflage that allows it to blend easily into the environment, making it a very elusive creature to see and catch. Learn more here.

Medium

All the artwork provided is done on with highest quality linen canvas, acrylic paints, oils and brushes ensuring the longevity of each piece of work.