Emma Nangari Roepcke

My name is Emma Nangari and I was born in Port Augusta, South Australia to an PItantjatjara Ngaanatjarra mother. Although I grew up and went to school in Wyalla my family travelled regularlry to Alice Springs and Hermansburg to visit extended family.

After finishing school I trained as an Indigenous teaching assistant and I worked for the Education Department for over 20 years.  I am married and have one son.

Painting has helped me to reconnect with my traditional culture after so many years in the mainstream education system. It has also helped me to appreciate my grandfather who made such an effort to teach me my traditional culture as I was growing up.  Painting brings me a lot of joy and satisfaction.