Phyllis Thomas




Phyllis was born at Turner River (Kartang Rija) and grew up there. Her mother was Kitja and her father Jaru (desert-way). Phyllis worked around the station, doing yard duties and assisting with the domestic goats. Whilst in Wyndham, she met her husband, Joe Thomas, a stockman. She accompanied him to Springvale, then Mabel Downs. Joe worked at Bow River alongside the late Timmy Timms for Sam and Maggie Lilly, and much later when the Government granted the station to the Timms Family, Joe was granted an excision, and developed Rugan Community (Crocodile Hole).

Joe was instrumental in setting up a school on his Community, and Phyllis taught the children culture – carving, painting and dancing. Eventually the school was closed and the children attended the larger school at nearby Warmun.

Phyllis paints landscapes – particularly of Crocodile Hole which is a haven for wildlife, boab trees and permanent water. She is well represented throughout Australia and her entry in the Telstra Awards 2000 was highly commended.

Selected Exhibitions


2006
- Womens Business, Sherman Galleries, Sydney
- East Kimberley Exhibition, Japingka Gallery, Perth

2005
- New Work from Warmun, Gadfly Gallery, Perth

2004
- A Selection of Contemporary Art, Martin Browne Fine Art, Sydney. Other artists featured included Emily Kngwarreye and Paddy Bedford

2002/03
- Blood on the Spinifex, Ian Potter Museum of Art, Melbourne

2000
- 17th National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards, Museum and Art Gallery of the NT

Selected Collections

- Parliament House Collection, Canberra
- Art Gallery of Western Australia
- Private and corporate collections throughout Australia and Overseas
 

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

One of the unique skills Artists from the Kimberely region possess is the ability to mix the natural ochre pigments to create truly spectacular colours, shadings and effects that give ochre artworks a uniqueness unseen in any other style of art anywhere in the world.

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Customer Testimonials

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    Nyree, VIC

    I received Deanne Peters's work today in the post.  
    This is the first ever piece of art that I have bought let alone through the Internet.  
    I love it.  I appreciated the opportunity to buy a piece that I work afford within my
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    Now I just have to start saving for another.    
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    I'll run out of wall space!  
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    Thanks so much for the kind friendly manner in which you have been with me,
    I appreciate that.  
    Karen, UK

    Thank you so much.  I’m looking forward to receive Helen’s Water Dreaming.
    I like the drawing and the colours a lot.  Christopher Churchill’s Desert Nights is my favourite picture.
    Often I pass by, have a look at it and smile. It is a very special picture for me.
    Ursula, Switzerland

    Just wanted to let you know I received my lovely painting.  
    Please pass on my thanks to Jeannie.
    It's absolutely beautiful!  
    Lindy, VIC

    Paintings arrived on Wednesday and they are great!
    Thanks for your help.  
    Nathan, Canada

    The two Alan Griffiths paintings arrived safely today.  
    So well packed. Thank you for dispatching them so punctually.  
    We are thrilled with them and currently debating wall alternatives.   
    Axel, NSW

    My picture arrived this morning!!
    It is quite wonderful.
    Thank you so much for sending it.
    Missing your red earth and sun.  
    Jill, UK

    This is to let you know that the two
    paintings by Churchill Cann and
    Charlene Carrington arrived home safely
    and in good condition.
    They look beautiful on our walls.
    Should you happen to see Churchill and
    Charlene we would be very grateful if
    you would thank them and let them know
    how much we admire and respect their work.   
    Bill and Margo, ACT

    The artworks have arrived.
    All pieces are just beautiful.
    Thank you very much.   
    Meg, UK

    We recently purchased “Wild
    Passionfruit and Tomato” by Margaret
    Davis Kemarre during our visit to
    your gallery in Kununurra. It was
    delivered to our home in Sydney
    last week. We just wanted to let you
    know it had arrived safely and that
    we are very happy with our purchase.  
    Thank you for your assistance.  
    Philip and Elizabeth, NSW

    Just wanted to let you know that I've
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    I appreciate the photo of Cindy & bio.  
    It makes it much more personal....
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    Give her my thanks and her willingness
    to share her talent and vision.    
    Walt, USA

    I've been meaning to send you a note to say thank you and we're very happy.
    The painting arrived quickly and it's up on the wall and looks great.   
    Cathy, NSW

    Just to let you know the artwork was well received today,
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    Thanks again for your excellent service. 
    Lene, Denmark

    The most beautiful Kudditji painting has arrived this morning, it is so magnificent.
    It took my breath away!! Thank you very much.
    Karen, NSW

    I received my beautiful Bush Leaves canvas by Jeannie Petyarre last week.
    I bought it on a very rushed visit to Kununurra enroute from Warmun to Darwin.
    The minute I saw it I knew it was what I had been looking for.
    It is at the framers now for stretching onto a frame. I can not wait to hang it in my home.
    Thank you so much for getting it to me in such good condition.
    I'm so glad I popped into your gallery for what I said would be a "quick walk through.
    Luckily my friend in Warmun had said "make sure you go to Artlandish".
    Having had the opportunity to spend time in an indigenous community
    I feel blessed to have such a beautiful artwork.
    Please place me on your mailing list.
    Best wishes
    Sue

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Artlandish Aboriginal Art Gallery: 10 Papuana St Kununurra 6743, Western Australia, Australia Tel: +61 8 91681 881, Mobile: 041 77 222 11, Fax: +61 8 91681 881 Email: info@aboriginalartshop.com Web: www.aboriginalartshop.com ©

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