The artists behind this First Nations inspired collaboration

In our previous article we looked into the origins of Willie Weston and our collaboration, but this time we wanted to take a different angle. The power behind this First Nations focussed profit-for-purpose business lies in the artists that create the deep and culturally unique designs.

 

We sat down with Willie Weston co-founders, Jessica Booth and Laetitia Prunetti, to learn more about the partnerships they have formed and the inspiration for First Nations artists. See what they have to say below.

How did your partnerships with First Nations artists you work with develop?

 

Early on our collections were born out of Jessica’s strong relationships and good reputation that were established during her former career in the First Nations art sector. Over the years, Willie Weston has established its own reputation for ethical partnerships with artists, so we are now fortunate to be able to approach artists with that ‘track record’ or industry recognition.

 

Many artists have seen their fair share of people wanting to licence their designs, and often the ethical intent is just not there. It’s vital that the artists and community are confident that we not only have good intentions, but also the expertise to back that up and bring a great product to market.

What common themes inspire the First Nations artists you work with? 

 

Natural motifs and a connection to place are at the heart of many of the works in our collections. For example, Rosie Ngwarraye Ross’ Sugarbag Dreaming design references floral motifs local to the Ampilatwatja region in Central Australia, where she was born. 

 

Osmond Kantilla’s Pandanus design is a representation of the pointy leaves of the Pandanus plant that can be seen all over the Tiwi Islands, where he’s from. And Lee-Anne Williams’ Water Levels design evokes the marks that are left on the banks of the Fitzroy River in the Kimberley, after flood levels rise and fall.

 

 

Image credit:

• Artists of Ampilatwatja art centre, Artists of Ampilatwatja.
• April Jones printing, Marnin Studio
• The pandanus plant, Tiwi Design