Sonja Carmichal is a Ngugi woman belonging to the Quandamooka people from Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island). A leading practitioner in the revival of traditional Quandamooka weaving practices, her work encourages contemplation on the utility and form of traditional Quandamooka objects, cultural continuity, the lived experiences of Aboriginal people today, and preservation of the natural environment.
Carmichael’s artwork gulayi (Quandamooka woman’s bag) is a contemporary take on a traditional woven bag. Jandai is the Aboriginal language spoken in the Quandamooka region and gulayi is the Jandai language word for dilly bag. The vessel is woven using both traditional materials and synthetic fibres from reclaimed ghost nets (nets that wash ashore after having been lost or discarded at sea). By re-purposing marine debris in her weaving practice, the artist draws attention to the serious problem of oceanic pollution. She explains, ‘Collecting materials that are harmful to the environment is my way of caring for Country and preserving our land and seas.’
Visitors are invited to use the recycled materials provided on the table to make their own vessel to take home.
IDEAS:
> Your vessel might use a number of different or unexpected colours and textures. You can use the needles provided to weave different threads and textiles together.
> If the vessel is intended to be carried, try adding a handle or two.
> The artist has incorporated shells from Minjerribah. When you get home, you might like to decorate your vessel using recycled or repurposed objects from around the home or garden.