Ruby Williamson

Bush cats reflect Ruby’s great sense of humour and have become her signature icon. When Ruby first told the story about bush cats to Sara Twigg-Patterson (Arts coordinator at the time) in 2002, she described them as rabbita or rabbits – even though they had long tails! However, the next time she painted the same subject, Ruby said the story was about hunting ‘pussycats’. Ruby quickly corrected herself with a cheeky smile and said ‘rabbits’. It appears Ruby was too embarrrassed to say that she had painted a story about hunting pussycats in case white Australians were offended. Ruby finally admitted they were pussycats or bush cats as rabbits don’t have long tails – a tell tale sign. It was the women’s job to hunt the bush cats. They are considered excellent eating as they tasted similar to rabbits when cooked. Ruby explained that the cats in this picture were in families, with mother, father and baby cats.