Margaret Sumner
Margaret Sumner grew up immersed in the stunning landscapes of South Australia's river lakes and the Coorong. With a natural talent for football, basketball, and cricket, her early years were marked by athletic achievement and a deep connection to the outdoors. It wasn't until her 40s, when her sporting pursuits began to wane, that Margaret discovered a new passion—egg carving—introduced to her by Elder Aunty Kathy Carter as a way to cope with grief.
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This artistic endeavor opened a new chapter in Margaret's life. She invested in the necessary tools and dedicated herself to creating a personal collection of intricately carved eggs, a practice that spanned many years and brought her both solace and satisfaction.
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In her 60s, Margaret's artistic journey took another turn. She began weaving, often sitting with her daughter and sister-in-law, renowned basket weaver Ellen Trevorrow. While Ellen crafted beautiful baskets, Margaret focused on creating exquisite pendants and earrings. The sense of relief and empowerment she found in weaving with her family became an addictive and fulfilling part of her life.
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Margaret believes her creative ability came from her mother, a source of inspiration and talent that she has carried forward into her own work. Her motivation extends beyond her own creative expression. She is deeply committed to supporting the next generation, encouraging them to better themselves through art and community. Her story is one of resilience, transformation, and the enduring power of family and tradition.
Ellen Trevorrow
Born in Point McLeay, also known as Raukkan currently lives in Meningie, Ellen Trevorrow is a proud descendant of the Ngarrindjeri people. Growing up, she was captivated by the traditional weaving techniques of her grandmother, who would spend hours weaving intricate patterns and stories into fabric. As a young woman, Ellen began her own journey in weaving workshops under the guidance of her late husband Tom Trevorrow.
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Under Aunty Dorrie Kartinyeri patience and skilled hands, Ellen learned the intricacies of traditional weaving, including the use of natural fibres and the importance of storytelling through pattern and design. Aunty Dorrie's daughter, Noreen Kartinyeri, another talented weaver, was a constant source of support and encouragement for Ellen as she honed her skills and acknowledgment of Aunty Dorrie Kartinyeri
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Inspired by the memories of her Grandmother and the Cultural Heritage that has been passed down through Generations, Ellen's weaving is a testament to the enduring power of traditional knowledge and storytelling. Her work is deeply rooted in the Ngarrindjeri Culture, and she takes great pride in continuing the Traditions that have been passed down to her.
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Today, Ellen is proud to see the next Generation of Ngarrindjeri weavers taking up the mantle, leading the way in preserving and promoting their Cultural Heritage. She takes great joy in watching the next Generation learn and grow as Cultural Weavers, and is inspired by their creativity and passion for their craft.
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Through her art, Ellen seeks to share the beauty and richness of Ngarrindjeri culture with others, while also honouring the memories and traditions that have shaped her life. Her work is a testament to the importance of preserving cultural heritage, and the impact it can have on future generations.
Bessie Rigney
Bessie Rigney is a talented and multifaceted individual from Meningie, born and raised in the heart of Ngarrindjeri culture. She completed her schooling in the region and went on to pursue a diverse range of career paths in the fields of health, youth, and drug and alcohol rehabilitation.
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Growing up surrounded by the rich traditions and customs of Ngarrindjeri culture, Bessie developed a deep passion for weaving from her mother, auntie Ellen and older sisters. Initially, she focused on teaching others the art of weaving, rather than creating her own pieces. However, she has recently begun to produce her own unique and beautiful creations.
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Bessie's love for weaving was not only inspired by her family members but also by the cherished memories she has of attending workshops with her auntie Ellen and the late auntie Noreen. These experiences have instilled in her a strong sense of tradition and community, which is evident in her work.
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Today, Bessie is not only a skilled weaver but also a proud teacher and mentor. She has passed down her weaving skills to her nieces and nephews, with hopes of one day teaching her own children. Her dedication to preserving and promoting Ngarrindjeri culture is evident in her work, which is not only beautiful but also meaningful and significant.
In addition to her work as a weaver, Bessie is also involved in a business venture with her aunties and sisters through their corporation. This collaboration allows her to continue the tradition of working together with her family members, while also sharing her skills and knowledge with others.
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Through her work, Bessie aims to promote cultural awareness, preservation, and exchange between different communities. She believes that by sharing her knowledge and skills with others, she can help to build bridges between cultures and promote a deeper understanding of the importance of preserving traditional practices.
Anthony Long
Born and raised along the lakes of Meningie and Raukkan, also known as Point McLeay, Anthony Long is a proud Ngarrindjeri man who has been deeply connected to the traditional practices of his ancestors. Growing up with ADHD, he was often drawn to the creative and dynamic process of making Feather flowers, which was introduced to him by his father. As he delved deeper into the art form, he discovered the rich cultural significance and storytelling behind it.
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As he navigated the challenges of grief and adolescence, Anthony found solace in the cultural traditions passed down through his family. He continued to learn and master the art of Feather flower making, which became a source of comfort, connection, and healing.
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Today, Anthony is a respected artist and cultural practitioner who is dedicated to preserving and sharing his people's traditional knowledge. Under the guidance of esteemed elders such as Aunty Ellen Trevorrow and Aunty Alice Abdulla, he has honed his skills and continues to create beautiful Feather flowers that tell stories of his ancestors and their cultural heritage.
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As a father himself, Anthony is now passing on his knowledge and skills to his children, ensuring that the cultural traditions of his people are preserved for future generations. Through his art, Anthony aims to not only celebrate the rich cultural heritage of his people but also to promote healing, self-discovery, and personal growth.
Anthony's work is a testament to the power of cultural connection and the importance of preserving traditional practices. His Feather flowers are not only beautiful works of art but also sacred vessels that carry the stories, knowledge, and spirit of his ancestors.
"Stitch by stitch, circle by circle, weaving is like the creation of life. All things are connected."
– Aunty Ellen Trevorrow