ARTIST’S DESCRIPTION OF ARTWORK
Mistake Creek is the last good water going south before you get to Warmun, near number four bore.  Because the river flows all year round, and the big sink hole is deep with good fresh water, the stockman would take the cattle from the Stations all around this area (Bow River, Lissadell, Texas Downs, Violet Valley), settle them down for the drovers to come and take them to the Wyndham meatworks or down the Canning Stock Route.  This place was used by the very early white fellas to fatten up their cattle.  You can see the good grazing land around the river and the waterhole.  The old people tell me there were some bad things that went on around this place between the blackfella’s and the white men a long time ago.  I don’t paint that.  Just paint my country here where I go camping and fishing.

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ARTIST PROFILE

Phyllis Thomas

Phyllis was born at Turner River (Kartang Rija) and grew up there.  Her mother was Kitja and her father Jaru (desert-way).  Phyllis worked around the station, doing yard duties and assisting with the domestic goats.  Whilst in Wyndham, she met her husband, Joe Thomas, a stockman.  She accompanied him to Springvale, then Mabel Downs.  Joe worked at Bow River alongside the late Timmy Timms for Sam and Maggie Lilly, and much later when the Government granted the station to the Timms Family, Joe was granted an excision, and developed Rugan Community (Crocodile Hole).

Joe was instrumental in setting up a school on his Community, and Phyllis taught the children culture – carving, painting and dancing.  Eventually the school was closed and the children attended the larger school at nearby Warmun.

Phyllis paints landscapes – particularly of Crocodile Hole which is a haven for wildlife, boab trees and permanent water. She is well represented throughout Australia and her entry in the Telstra Awards 2000 was highly commended.

 
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS

2006
- Womens Business, Sherman Galleries, Sydney
- East Kimberley Exhibition, Japingka Gallery, Perth

2005
- New Work from Warmun, Gadfly Gallery, Perth

2004
- A Selection of Contemporary Art, Martin Browne Fine Art, Sydney. Other artists featured included Emily Kngwarreye and Paddy Bedford

2002/03
- Blood on the Spinifex, Ian Potter Museum of Art, Melbourne

2000
- 17th National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards, Museum and Art Gallery of the NT

SELECTED COLLECTIONS
- Parliament House Collection, Canberra
- Art Gallery of Western Australia
- Private and corporate collections throughout Australia and Overseas