09 . 20

walwunmutj : september ‘20

This mica and feldspar mix, named ‘Walwunmutj,’ by contributor Lorraine Brigdale, is named for the Yorta Yorta word that means ‘to shine.’ Walwunmutj was foraged by Lorraine on the traditional lands of the Jaara Jaara people of the Dja Dja Warrung, with permission from a Jaara elder, at the White Swan Crystal Mine in Kooyoora State Park in Victoria, Australia. The White Swan pegmatite was mined for quartz during WWII for industrial and gem quality quartz, and contains quartz and feldspar with plumose muscovite. The Park is in ancient volcanic Quartz country and has abundant large granite boulders scattered everywhere, which look as if they rained down from above.

While not technically a “pigment,” as it’s colorless, the Walwunmutj flakes add sparkle and shine when applied to painted surfaces, and on top of ceramic glazes. Be sure to hold them up to bright light to see their shine: in low light the sparkles are much less visible.

contributor : lorraine brigdale

Lorraine says: “A YortaYorta woman, I’ve been an artist all my life, from making drawings and sculptures in the sand as a child through many creative twists and turns to end up here with my hands in the dirt again experimenting with natural materials in my Art and giving respect to my country and my ancestors.” Lorraine’s ochre paintings have been exhibited in Central Victorian galleries and exhibitions at the Koorie Heritage Trust in Melbourne. She gives regular workshops on ochre paint preparation and painting in Bendigo.