Biddy Timms

Biddy Timms, skin name Napanangka, is the daughter of Tiger Jupurrurla Timms, who was from the Warlpiri sub-tribe, Ngaliya. Napanangka moved from Gordon Downs to Lajamanu many years ago after the death of her father, who was working on the station at Gordon Downs.

Napanangka also spent time on Tanami desert stations, where she was employed as a housekeeper. It was during her years of station work that she learnt to speak English.

Although using ochre and oils to paint peoples’ bodies for ceremony for much of her life, Napanangka only began to paint her Jukurrpa (Dreaming) onto canvas after the Warnayaka Art Centre re-opened in 2007.

In addition to painting her traditional Jukurrpa stories, Napanangka’s paintings have also explored her Christian faith.