Exhibitions
taypani milaythina-tu: Return to Country | Jeanette James
Biography
Jeanette James is a Tasmanian artist who continues the age-old tradition of Aboriginal shell necklace stringing, as passed on by her family. It is a practice that has continued for generations. Over time, Jeanette has extended her repertoire to include echidna quills and other animal claws. Fibre and kangaroo sinew are often used in the stringing of traditional or exhibition work. Contemporary designs feature shells and echidna quills, in keeping with her traditional work.
Jeanette’s exquisite necklaces have been exhibited throughout Australia, and her work has been acquired by Queensland Art Gallery, the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Terriroty, the Art Gallery of South Australia, and the National Museum of Australia, Canberra, and exhibited internationally in the USA and Singapore.
Highlights of her career include winning the Wandjuk Marika award at the 2000 National Telstra Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards and the Premier’s Award for Artistic Excellence at the 2014 Tasmanian Craft Fair.
Artist statement
niyakara kurina (eaglehawk dreaming), 2022
The motivational piece I chose from the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery collection was the wombat/echidna claw necklace, believed to have been taken by George Augustus Robinson during his travels in lutruwita/Tasmania.
I viewed this necklace many years ago and I have never forgotten the awe I felt, imagining what I could make that would also leave a long-lasting memory to others.
The image of the wombat/echidna claw necklace has sat in my soul since, knowing I would eventually use it as a source of inspiration. It is with this thought in mind that I commenced the eagle claw necklace. I have the privilege of modern tools but also used the ancient stringing practice of kangaroo sinew that I had harvested myself.