- Title: Birriwa Tree Leaves
- Artist: Sidney Moody
- Region: Kimberley
- Art Centre: Warlayirti Artists
- Medium: Woodblock print
- Collection:
- Dimensions: 63 x 48 cm
- Edition Size: 20
- Price ($AUD): $ 495
Artwork Story
This print is about the leaves of the Birriwa Tree. This tree is found throughout the desert. Breaking the leaves, they are put into a billy can with a little water. Slow to boil, the leaves release a honey type substance. Once boiled, the leaves are removed and people drink the remaining medicine, which is known to cure numerous ailments including the flu, colds et. This particular remedy is taken primarily during the winter to ward off sickness and keep general good health of the people.
Warlayirti Artists are well known for their beautiful, high quality artworks including limited edition prints. Since 2002, there has been a long-standing collaboration between the Balgo artists and the printers from Northern Editions in Darwin. This partnership has resulted in numerous editions of etchings and screenprints and in more recent times has expanded to include Japanese woodblock printing for the men.
The woodcuts are in response to an existing but not regularly practised carving tradition upon sandstone and soapstone, as well as wood for boomerangs, shields and spears. These prints retell traditional tjukurrpas (Dreamings) and knowledge in an alternative medium, so important stories are retained for perpetuity.
© Warlayirti Artists