Many Rivers

"When I started making art, I found it very healing. Art is an expression of how you are. I suppose I like bright colours, it reflects a brighter future. The colours brighten you up. New life and new beginnings. The blue is the deep waters, the red is strength and courage, the pink is new beginnings." - Tootsie says of her Swirly Works as she fondly calls this body of work. 

About Mum T:

Mum T (dec.) was born at Yarraloola Station near Pannawonica and grew up in Onslow, living at the Old Reserve and the Onslow Hostel. After attending high school at the United Aboriginal Mission Hostel in Derby, she returned to Onslow and worked as a domestic cleaner at the Hostel and later at Yarraloola Station and Nanutarra Station with her extended family. Tootsie has lived in Roebourne since 1970 and is a committed contributor to the Roebourne community. Tootsie is a founding member of Juluwarlu Art Group, is a board member and broadcaster at Ngaarda Media, is involved in song, video and performance arts with Big hART, and holds a Graduate Diploma in Aboriginal Community Development from Curtin University. Tootsie began painting 10 years ago as a means of healing after the death of her son, and depicts Yindjibarndi stories, rivers, plants and seasons.