Lorraine Brigdale
Lorraine Brigdale
YAMA
Raffia weaving and lomandra core, with handmade ochre paint, (H) 90 x (W) 30cm, 2023
YAMA is a large contemporary vessel made from and decorated with traditional materials and centred on coil weaving, a traditional South-Eastern Aboriginal weaving style. This vessel was created for Melbourne Now exhibition at National Gallery of Victoria, 2023. I have dedicated YAMA to Victorian master weaver, teacher, Aunty Dot Peters AM, 1930 - 2019. As a contemporary artist, practicing culture and with a deep connection to Country, I make my art as an acknowledgment to the Yorta Yorta peoples ongoing strength and resilience. YAMA came from this place, stretching my regular weaving to make a tall ochre decorated vessel as a reminder of what is possible when faced with provocation.
Lorraine Brigdale with First Nations ties to Yorta Yorta nation is an award-winning multi media artist living on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. As a part of her art practice including painting, weaving, making jewellery and objects plus public art commissions, Brigdale’s weaving centres on coil basketry, she is guided by her urge to develop contemporary forms using traditional and alternative materials and has developed a process of working with hand-prepared ochre and mineral watercolours to explore an ever-growing knowledge around Aboriginal family and heritage.