from the red dirt

On the road from Alice Springs to Ikuntji.

It was good to get out there again.

A visitor looking out the airplane window was said to question "I thought this was known as the 'red centre': it's green!". After the recent rains, with water in the Todd River and roads closed for a few weeks, it is very green.

Ellory Creek Waterhole. Stunning.

On the return trip, with Bec and Jackson, we swam to a some beaches that can be glimpsed through the gap.

Jackson and I were talking about the wonder of it all, as like the Garden of Eden.

Ikuntji town centre. A lot of my time was spent at the tables in this area, getting names and stories for early photos, printing them for families ...

Ikuntji is the site of one of the earliest missions, where different language groups were brought together. Towns were subsequently established closer to the traditional grounds of language each group, such as Papunya for Luritja/ Pintupi.

Ikuntji, otherwise known as Haast's Bluff, is now a small of less than 200. It has a reputation as being quiet and friendly, which was my experience.

Patrick, Patricia and their extended family took me to a lookout on my first night.

A waterhole Patrick and family introduced me to.

I went back there a few times ...

Doris often talks of the happy times as a young kungka swimming in the waterholes around Ikuntji. Having seen the children swimming there I can see why.

Looking in the other direction at sunset.

The Ikuntji Swans.

I went to a 'Lightning Cup' at Papunya, where JJ had in mind that I would be the Official Photographer.

JJ had not actually told me that he had that in mind, but I turned up with my camera and he sent me out to take team photographs exactly as he had planned.

I also had the gig as time keeper for a while.

The afternoon light was stunning.

The young men were so charming, talking with them back in Ikuntji, as they looked at the photos, teased each other, and asked for copies on memory sticks. I was doing this in dark late into Thursday night, before leaving for Papunya and Alice Springs on Friday.

"All the skills were on display".

Boots optional.

Sun Shower at half time.

Ulumbaru in the background

JJ, Jackson, and someone photo-bombing.

Back at Papunya Tjupi Art Cooperative

With Doris Bush.

Doris had painted a Nulla Nulla for me, which is pretty special.

Nulla Nullas are used for dances (Doris gave me a demo), to represent digging sticks, and, Doris adds with a wicked smile "killing husbands".

Helen Puckey at the centre has helped the women produce great work, with more requests for exhibitions, including overseas, than the women can supply.

Doris Bush Nungurrayi, Candy Nakamarra, Narlie Nakamarra.

Papunya Tjupi Arts Website

I also spent time at the Ikuntji Art Centre, who have different styles, but did not get around to taking photos .... The have great art and a very cool website.