Nellie Gordon

Born on the banks of the Stuart Creek on the Northern edge of the Great Sandy Desert, the artists spent her childhood in Jaru Country South East of Halls Creek. Much of her adult life was spent working as a station cook and housekeeper on pastoral stations in the East Kimberley. In the mid 70’s the introduction of the Equal Rights Bill for the Aboriginal workforce meant that many Aboriginal employees were forced off stations in the town settlements such as Halls Creek. Nellie lived here for some time before moving to the Kununurra areas with her husband George wallaby, where both began to paint full time. This work depicts the waterlily which used to grow prolifically in the waterholes and creeks of Nellie’s country. The flowers and tubers were a favourite bush food. Unfortunately, they are difficult to find now, as cattle have damaged many of these delicate eco systems.