Geraldine Francine Pilakui Australian, Tiwi, b. 1978

Dance: Yirrikapayi (Crocodile)

Geraldine learns from the older people about Tiwi culture so that when she gets old she can pass it on to her grandchildren. She is learning to paint the traditional designs from the older and experienced artists. Geraldine says, ” I love painting and coming to work at the art centre everyday. It is my life. I learn from my Maninga (Grandmother) and my Uncle Pius”. Her motifs include traditional designs from the older and experienced artists, bush tucker and the native flora and fauna that inhabit the Tiwi Islands. To paint the “mother lines” Geraldine uses the traditional Kayimwagakimi comb technique used for body painting.