Valmai Pollard

Valmai Pollard identifies as a Gunggandji woman and has grown up in Yarrabah. Valmai belongs to a large family of artists; her parents, Edna and Ruben Ambrym, are also members of Yarrabah Art Centre. Valmai joined them over five years ago in working at the Art Centre as a practicing artist.

During the completion of high school Valmai undertook visual art classes, and has been involved in various workshops at Yarrabah Art Centre which have specialized in linocut, pottery, textiles and woodwork. Through these activities and her family’s influence, she has developed a strong interest for experimentation within her practice.

Valmai’s favourite thing to do in Yarrabah is fishing or cracking oysters at the beach with her daughters. These experiences provide rich inspiration for her work, which often depicts Yarrabah’s diverse animal life.

Pollard’s art expresses her natural affinity for line, colour and pattern and she utilises her skills and distinct style to create richly storied representations of Yarrabah. Her work provides an important acknowledgement of the land and sea and its ongoing role in her culture and community.