Merrill Namundja Ngalkalkdjam

Merrill Girrabul is the daughter of established fibre artist Jill Nganjmirra. The level of skill and innovation in Merrils work is reminiscent of that of her mothers and continues a family tradition of artistry, given her grandparents were the painter Spider Namarriki, and fibre artist Wendy Wirlyuna Djogiba. Merrill's aunts on her mother’s side are all also practicing fibre artists.

 

The delight in forming complex patterns and intricate designs is increasingly evident in Merrills work. Her baskets feature in Twined Together, a comprehensive publication and survey of the fibre work of western Arnhem Land. She has also participated as a tutor in weaving workshops in Darwin and Oenpelli, sharing her knowledge and skill with university field school students and international visitors.(From Twined Together)

 

Merrill regularly talks to tourists and visitors about the art and culture of the region, introducing them to other weavers and showing them the natural colours and pandanus that make up the fibre art.