Jorna Newberry was a talented Pitjantatjarra artist who was born at Angus Downs (Irrunytju) in 1959 (dec February 2025). Growing up on country here, Jorna learnt the stories and traditions of her ancestors and continued to pass this knowledge on to younger generations.
Jorna Newberry spent the majority of her time in Alice Springs, but visited her land with her family whenever she could, and loved continuing the traditions of her people as she taught her children and grandchildren. Jorna often participated in traditional women’s business as well as hunting for Kangaroo and Goanna. Bush tucker, such as witchetty grub, honey ant and bush fruits are found in abundance here.
Jorna initially started painting in the mid-1990s at Warakurna. The stories of her land are portrayed in Jorna’s works. Waru (Fire Dreaming), Ngintaka (Perentie) and Walpa (Wind) are among the subjects depicted. Her use of delicate line and dot work has become her signature style, but often the artist would employ a loose dotting style similar to her famous uncle, Tommy Watson (deceased) as taught to her by him.
“Tommy has had a big influence on me. He teaches me to be respectful in the way I paint”
