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Gupapunyngu Fire Story by James Gaykamangu
 It
all originated at a place called Djiliwirri which is most
commonly known as Dhurrwarangura where; back in creation time
when Djirikitj, the Quail danced and then threw fire and started
the first fire at this particular place and the dreaming became
the Dreaming for the people
and their offspring.á These people express their stories through
arts, songs and dances.á And this is one of them.
This
particular piece of art features many stunning effects including
intricate cross-hatching or 'rarrk'.á Four main earth colours
are utilised in styles characteristic of the Arnhem Land clan
designs.
Measurements:
75cm (30") W x 185cm (74") H
Available
exclusively from the eBay auction site.
Click here for more information.
Large
Spider by Dorothy Djukulul
Karr the spider inhabits the rocky country and is known
as a catcher of souls.
Read
the Dreaming Story.
This
bark art features four main earth colours to stunning effect.á
The styles used have been developed by generations of Aboriginal
artists from Arnhem Land.á In particular the artwork features
intricate cross-hatching.á This effect is common to Arnhem
Land clan designs and is usually known as 'rarrk'.
Measurements:
65cm (26") W x 180cm (72") H
Price: $2700
AUD 
Sand
Palms by Djukulul & Dhatangu  á
Djukulul
was taught to paint important stories on bark by her father
and her uncle from Central Arnhem Land.á One of a small group
of female bark painters, Djukulul is arguably the best known
and most accomplished.á Read
about The Artist.
This
painting reveals the enormous scope used in expressing a traditional
theme.á The silvery sheen produced by the thin white washes
over dense black combined with the vibrant shimmering surface
of myriad dots and fine cross hatching (rarrk), evokes the
spiritual power associated with this subject.
Measurements: 70cm (28") W x 140cm (56") H
Price: $1690
AUD
Manbirri,
Catfish by Jimmy Wululu
Just
as everything in the Aboriginal world is divided into Yirritja
and Dhuwa, it is also divided into freshwater and saltwater
people.á Read
the Dreaming Story.
This
painting explores the dreaming story of the Catfish and thus
features four large catfish detailed with pale ochre.á Characteristic
crosshatching and dots decorate the surrounding background.á
The bark medium provides a unique and truly Aboriginal Australian
character.
Measurements: 55cm (22") W x 85cm (34") H
Price: $1190
AUD
Water
Goanna by Gurruwikwik
 Djarrka
is a freshwater goanna that can be found in small inland creeks
and it feeds on small crabs and yabbies.
Read
the Dreaming Story.
This
painting reveals the vast range of styles possible in expressing
a traditional theme.á Featuring three water creatures, the
Goanna, fish and turtle.á The background is decorated with
images of gumnuts and water plants in rich natural greens.á
The painting also features exceptionally intricate cross-hatching,
which is characteristic of Arnhem Land designs.
Measurements: 60cm (24") W x 110cm (44") H
Price: $1010
AUD
 Five
Blue Tongues by Elizabeth Ngumabuy
This
is the story of the Wagilag Sisters. Two sisters and their
dog are fleeing their home in south eastern Arnhem Land. Read
the Dreaming Story.
This
painting features blue tongue lizards decorated with textured
dots and ochre colours.á The background is washed with pale
ochre and produces an overall striking effect due to the contrasting
styles.
Measurements:
35cm (14") W x 90cm (36") H
Price: $500
AUD
The
Creation Process
 Numerous
steps must be followed in order to paint using this traditional
medium.á The bark is first stripped off the stringy bark tree
in the wet season.á A sheet is cut off the tree and the outer
most layer of rough bark is removed.á
The
bark is then stripped back further to the point where only
the inner layer of smooth fibre is left.á It is then placed
over an open fire, outer side down, which causes it to uncurl
slowly in the heat.á This also chars the outer bark area so
that stripping can then be completed.á
Finally,
the bark is laid in the sun and compressed with heavy stones.á
Once flat and dry, the bark surface is ready for painting
to begin.
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