Jones Holroyd

Jones Holroyd was born in Cairns but grew up in Pormpuraaw.  He is a Wik Iiyanh man.  His father’s side is Wik Iiyanh and his mother’s side is Kugu.

Jones’s totem is the Jabiru.

Hi mother and father moved to Pormpuraaw in the 60s from the north/south side of Candle River.  They had three boys and four girls.

“I went to primary school in Pormpuraaw and then attended boarding school Atherton College.

I was one of the founding artists of the Pormpuraaw Art Centre and began making art in 2005.”

I am well known for my ghost net Frilled-Neck Lizards, which is a Wik Iiyanh totem from my father’s side. .

The Frilled-Neck Lizard is the totem for important Ceremony.  The songline is sacred and only for initiated men.

I love making ghost net sculptures and printmaking and have recently started painting.

I am also a dancer.  I’ve been to Japan and performed at events like the Woodford Folk Festival.

Both my parents have passed away. It is important that I am recording my clan’s stories for future generations.  This is very important to me.”