Marilyn James

Marilyn is a senior artist with deep knowledge of culture & country which she brings into textiles and her design story. Marilyn is also a integral member of the Bábbarra Women’s Centre Supervisor team and multitasks in all areas of the studio from retail, printing and designing. Marilyn has represented Babbarra in Adelaide at the Tarnanthi Art Fair which she enjoyed.

Marilyn’s first design depicts the story of funeral logs (Lorrkkon).

‘This is the story of my great great grandfather and grandmother who were bark painters and Lorrkkon painters. I remember this story, and decided to make this my first design. My mother used to weave, she made pandanus hats, floormats, baskets and dilly bag.’

She also depicts Ranba (beach) and Yokkarra (fish), Ngaduma (palm tree) and Barruar (seagull egg) in her Lino print designs.

Marilyn has children and grandchildren all of whom live with her in Manayingkarírra (Maningrida), where she was born.

LANGUAGES: Ndjébbana

ANCESTOR SPIRITS: Stingray with sharp back

COMMUNITY: Maningrida

HOMELAND: Maningrida

OUTSTATION: Juda

MOIETY: Yirridjdja

SUBSECTION: Ngal-kodjok (wamudjan)

DATE OF BIRTH: 29.12.1968

CLAN: Ndjébbana