Yarangka (Elaine) Thomas is a highly esteemed senior Spinifex woman born at Ngalkuwitjara about 1939. Yarangka is the custodian of Ngalkuritjara, a rockhole in Spinifex at which lies one of the more sacred Tjukurpa (story) for the Spinifex people. At Ngalkuritjara, the Kipara (Australian Bustard or bush turkey) Tjukurpa passes through on its journey though many areas and which culminates at Eucla near the South Australian border.
Yarangka began painting with the Spinifex Arts Project from its inception in 1997. Yarangka's knowledge of country and Tjukurpa add authority and depth to the Minyma Tjuta (Many Women’s) collaborative paintings which Spinifex women are well known for.
She lives permanently at Tjuntjuntjara Community with her immediate and extended families.
Yarangka (Elaine) Thomas is a highly esteemed senior Spinifex woman born at Ngalkuwitjara about 1939. Yarangka is the custodian of Ngalkuritjara, a rockhole in Spinifex at which lies one of the more sacred Tjukurpa (story) for the Spinifex people. At Ngalkuritjara, the Kipara (Australian Bustard or bush turkey) Tjukurpa passes through on its journey though many areas and which culminates at Eucla near the South Australian border.
Yarangka began painting with the Spinifex Arts Project from its inception in 1997. Yarangka's knowledge of country and Tjukurpa add authority and depth to the Minyma Tjuta (Many Women’s) collaborative paintings which Spinifex women are well known for.
She lives permanently at Tjuntjuntjara Community with her immediate and extended families.