The Northern Editions print workshop is in Darwin, at the Top End
of Australia's Northern Territory. Thanks to its proximity to Arnhem Land, the Tiwi islands, the Great Sandy and the Tanami Deserts,
the printers here have the privilege to work primarily with artists from remote indigenous communities. Copper and zinc plates are often brought out to the community and the resulting etchings display a sensitivity to line and colour that gives each indigenous group its own style, influenced by their culture and their knowledge of the land.
Pulling a proof of "Ngiya Jilamara" by Dymphna KerinauiaPhoto: Barry Ledwidge
"Kulama" by Timothy Cook
Workshop Manager Trent Walter and printer Jacinta Numina-WaughEach year, the Yolgnu people of northeast Arnhem Land welcome guests from across
the globe to the Garma Festival, a week of celebration of the Yolngu culture.
All Indigenous artists are invited to take part in the annual Print Panel Project and to collaborate with professional printmakers.
Yolgnu dancers at the nightly 'Bungul' competition
Sarah working with Groote Eylandt artist Harry MununggurrMegalo Access Arts from Canberra. Ulrich and Sarah, along with Bobbie Ruben and Kelly Scurr
of Charles Darwin University went to the festival to work with the artists. By the end of the week more than 60 lino blocks had been carved by the adult artists and over 75 by the children taking part in the Youth Forum. All images were proofed on-site and will be editioned by Megalo back in Canberra.
Ulrich proofing in the workshop tent
The Warlayirti Artists Centre is part of the Wirrimanu community at Balgo Hills, on the edge of the Great Sandy Desert in Western Australia. The Northern Editions printers travelled to this remote Outback community to work with some of Australia's most respected Indigenous artists including Eubena Nampitjinpa, Helicopter Tjungarrayi,
Kathleen Paddoon, Boxer Milner and Ningye Nangala.
Kathleen Paddoon, Elizabeth Numiye and Ningye Nangala painting in the art centre's studio
Plates in various stages of etching and proofing
Artist 'Helicopter' Joe Tjungarrayi
Artist Ningye Nangala working with bitumen/aspaltum on her plate
Warlayirti Artists' Centre