Debbie Wuduwawuy

Debbie Wuduwawuy has a strong passion for weaving, her big smile can be found at the art centre on most days. She originally learnt to weave by watching her mothers (mother and mother’s sisters). She recalls following them to collect ‘gunga ga colour’ (pandanus leaves and botanical dye materials) and making her first weaving, a large table mat. Since then she has substantially refined her skills and knowledge of different fibres.

Wuduwawuy is a natural innovator and always looking for new materials and techniques to try in her weaving. Recently she made a series of ‘kooky’ earrings that combine a variety of shells and seeds with pandanus and balgurr(string) to make sculptural forms.

For Wuduwawuy, weaving is the basis of her art practice as well as being at the centre of ceremonial and everyday life. Hanging from the rafter of her verandah is a large bathi (dilly bag) made from sedge (a native grass that withstands being immersed in salt water), its beauty heightened by a soft patina and signs of wear. Upon asking her about its purpose she explains that it is used when preparing to cook stingray.