Sheraleen (Sherry) Purunatameri is a young Tiwi artist with connections to Pirlangimpi (Garden Point) on Melville Island. New to our collective in May 22, Sherry represents the next generation of artists we investing in to grow their creative enterprises. Sherry took a moment to share some of her story, in her words...
How would you describe ways that you give back / pay it forward in our community?
As a young artist, I can be a leader and present my paintings through art spaces in Darwin and show my younger siblings, family and friends that our art can show our cultural stories in different way.
What is your one-of-a-kindness story
At the age 17, at first I was afraid of doing my Tiwi designs to sell in galleries, so I would just do a few for my nana to sell for us when we needed.
One day she told maybe if the art galleries met me as a young artist, it would be more terrific, and good in a way, that I wouldn't be ashamed.
Now I present my art to galleries, I am so proud from that day to now. I am 21 years old and I carry my Tiwi art and culture with pride.
Can you share with us a story of how you care for country
I am proud of whom I am and where I come from, as a Tiwi young lady starting to bring more of my country, and culture from Tiwi islands out into the world through my designs and I am blessed for that.
