55 AM 3775/06
Deanne Ward Rug 5/100 2006
Hand dyed wool, chain stitched rug 1830 x 1220mm $795
Image Description:
The design for this rug is from an original painting. The style of art is known as 'walka'. The abstract images,
enclosed within a border, are typical of this style which is unique to the Aboriginal women artists of the
Pitjantjatjara/Yankunytjatjara Lands, in remote northwest South Australia. The different forms of the desert
landscape have a great impact on the artists' use of colour and image construction. The ancient Aboriginal culture
and the land from which it draws its origins also influence the imagery. Specific titles, however, are seldom given
to the 'walka' artwork. The artistic process is instinctive and imaginative.

Project:
These beautiful, unique rugs are a cross-cultural collaboration combining Aboriginal designs and traditional
Kashmiri rug-making techniques. Chain stitched, using hand dyed wool and finished with a heavy cotton canvas
backing, each rug is a completely handmade piece. This project, although in its early stages, is already bringing
noticeable benefit to the artists and the community. Purchase of these rugs guarantees a direct return to the
Aboriginal artists, as the project is an initiative of Kaltjiti, their own art organization.