Valerie Nakamarra Nelson

My name is Valerie Nelson and my skin name is Nagamara . I was born in 1968, at Amoonguna Community 30 km south east of Alice Springs. I grew up in Ali Curung. I have spent most of my life in Ali Curung Community. I am a member on the executive committee for the Arlpwe Artists Aboriginal Community. I have 3 children, who are now adults. As a child I used to watch my dad doing watercolour painting that is how I got started in painting. I’ve always been interested in our Culture, especially learning our traditional ways . I was taught in art both in our traditional way of painting as well I learnt to paint while at school using pastels and watercolour and oils. While at school I won first prize for oil painting at the CWA Art Compettiion at Tennant Creek. And nemerous other prizes. Today, I am working at Arlpwe Art and Culture Centre at Ali Curung. I am a poet and I love to write. My aim is to encourage other artists to do their best and express their feeling on canvas. By doing art I believe that it is a way of benefiting our community. Valerie Nelson