Bernadette Watt

Bernadette was born in Mount Isa, and her island home is Mornington Island, (Baralkis). She moved to Groote Eylandt with her family when she was 7 years old. Bernadette learnt from her brothers how to paint and the stories behind the paintings.

“I would watch how they did paintings of the Wurlywin Man, Brolga Lady, rats and squid. I still paint some of those stories now. Because of my dad Arnold Watt, he was great artist. I just want to be like my dad.  I have three children, one niece, one nephew, and a grandson. And I love my family.

 When I first moved to Groote Eylandt with my mum, my dad Eric Amagula, my step father, he raised me up to be the person that I want to be. How to be strong and believe in myself.”

Bernadette paints, makes jewellery, plant dyes, screen prints. She enjoys doing everything with all the women.