Week 5

'Better World Arts is an innovative social enterprise working with Aboriginal artists primarily from the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjara Lands, Yuendumu and other remote communities from Australia.'

Better World Arts amalgamated in 1996 with the Kaltijiti Arts centre situated in the isolated Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands (APY Lands). This area is located in the north west corner of South Australia.

The Better World Arts group produces fine handcrafts that are made in the Himalayan region of Kashmir, Peru and the Tibetan community in Nepal. Although the products are produced overseas, it is a collaboration between the APY Aboriginal Lands and these overseas sources that the production of such amazing hand crafted products are born. The opportunities created by the Better Works Art group allows for remote communities and cultures to have a sustainable economy.

The products available expanse over a large range including jewellery, paintings, scarves, rugs, home wares and more. The patterns and prints come directly from the Aboriginal artist and illustrate numerous dream time stories, which are then turned into the final products.

Silver Brooch - 'IWI944'

by Inawinytji Williamson

This brooch is sold under the Better World Arts group on behalf on Inawinytji Williamson, the artist.

The brooch illustrates the dream time story of the Seven Sisters who travel across the land, trying to escape from a bad man. 

The story explains how the Seven Sister create rock holes along their journey while walking on dry creek beds. To flee the man, the Sisters leave earth and take to the sky. The Seven Sisters and the man can be seen today amongst the Orion Constellation.

Overall the brooch has a unique and meaningful quality. The lines have a continuous flow that moves yours eye around the piece. The rock holes are created using large circles with a smaller circle within. The inner circle has a thicker line to emphasis that it is a significant part of the story. Singular lines are places next to each other to form a path between each rock hole and to show there is a connection.

Overall the brooch design by Inawinytji Williamson is beautifully created, with a complex definition yet it is expressed in the simplest of forms.