The Mimini behind Mardawi
Elizabeth Rankine
Elizabeth Rankine, a proud Ngarrindjeri woman, draws inspiration from her upbringing along the river lakes and Coorong in Meningie, South Australia. Raised within a rich cultural heritage, Elizabeth's journey into the world of art began at a young age under the guidance of her aunty Ellen Trevorrow, who taught her the intricate art of weaving.
Fascinated by her grandmother's feather flowers, Elizabeth's childhood was filled with memories of watching her prepare feathers while she honed her weaving skills. However, her path wasn't without its challenges. In her teenage years, Elizabeth found herself battling with drugs and alcohol, spiraling into addiction. Yet, it was her deep connection to family and culture that became her beacon of hope, guiding her towards a healing process.
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After completing her schooling, Elizabeth ventured into welding, unknowingly taking a step towards her future career. Fifteen years later, she now utilizes this skill within her artistic endeavors. Amidst struggles with anxiety and depression, weaving became Elizabeth's sanctuary, a space where she found solace and purpose.
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Today, Elizabeth's art not only reflects her cultural heritage but also serves as a means of empowerment and support for her family and community. Through her creations, she strives to preserve and celebrate her Ngarrindjeri traditions while sharing her journey of resilience and healing with the world. Elizabeth Rankine stands as a testament to the transformative power of art and the enduring strength found within one's roots.
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Temeika Campbell
Temeika Campbell's artistic odyssey is an enchanting mosaic woven from the vibrant hues of her Ngarrindjeri lineage, flourishing along the winding banks of the Murray River in South Australia. Her journey began amidst the tranquil rhythm of fishing expeditions with her mother and father, where the gentle lapping of the river's waters provided the backdrop for tales as old as time itself.
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Nestled in the embrace of her mother and fathers teachings, Temeika found solace and inspiration in the artistry that surrounded her. With each cast of the line and each whispered story, she was drawn deeper into the tapestry of her culture, where the strokes of her father's paintbrush danced in harmony with the ebb and flow of the river's currents.
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It was here, amidst the tranquil beauty of the river's embrace, that Temeika's own artistic journey began to take shape. Inspired by the tales spun by her father and the timeless wisdom of her elders, she found herself drawn to the ancient art of weaving, where threads of tradition and innovation intertwined to create something truly extraordinary.
Today, Temeika Campbell's art serves as a luminous beacon, illuminating the path of cultural resurgence and environmental stewardship. Through her intricate weavings and timeless narratives, she invites us to journey alongside her, to trace the meandering course of the river and the timeless stories it carries within its depths. In Temeika's art, we find not only a celebration of heritage and tradition but also a call to action – a reminder of our sacred duty to protect and preserve the precious treasures of the land and waterways that sustain us all.
Our story
Mardawi is a collective of women who had worked together at a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre. While witnessing the beautiful work of men and women, they noticed that the final product was often undervalued and sold for less than $100. This group of women, driven by their appreciation for the craftsmanship they've developed through their weaving, decided to take matters into their own hands.
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Led by Elizabeth and Temeika, the group began brainstorming ways to sell these items for the artists to receive fair compensation. They recognised that their own weaving skills, honed over years, often go unnoticed. With guidance from their elder, Aunty Ellen Trevorrow, the group spent two years planning and preparing to bring their vision to life.
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With Aunty Ellen's encouragement, Elizabeth and Temeika left their jobs to focus on building Mardawi. The group's five members, all with strong cultural identities and gifted hands, transformed their weaving skills into a thriving business. They now create beautiful hand-crafted jewellery that not only showcases their craftsmanship but also celebrates their cultural heritage.
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Through Mardawi, these women are not only preserving their traditional weaving skills but also providing a platform for artists to receive fair compensation for their work. Their story is one of perseverance, determination, and a deep commitment to their cultural roots.