Honey Ants by Lena Campbell

Description

Artist: Lena Campbell

Cat#: 162-24

Size and medium: 46 x 35 cm Painting

Title: Honey Ants

Tjala (honey ants) are hunted as a much loved sweet food by Anangu people of Central Australia. Here, Lena has painted honey ants from one direction and from the other direction are honey ants painted by Nora Campbell, Len’s mother and fellow artist at Tapatjatjaka Arts in Titjikala.

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Lena takes her inspiration from the country around Titjikala, and her distinctive motifs utilise intricate patterns symbolising native bush foods and local flora. Her subject matter includes bush fruits, witchetty grubs and wild flowers (mai wiru). Lena’s flowing designs and earthy colour use reflects the natural environment of Titjikala and her close relationship with the land.

Lena works in a diverse range of mediums including acrylic on canvas, lino cut, screen printing, silk screen and ceramics. Lena has two grown children and grandchildren, and is an active member of Titjikala Community and currently Chairperson of Tapatjatjaka Art & Craft Centre.