This print is the channel of water, Rawu, between Gutjangan (Bremer Island) and the mainland of Yirrkala. Yathiny are the small jellyfish like creatures float along these waters and end up washing up onto the beaches. The turtles eat them when they come to shore to lay their eggs. I attached myself to this design after doing a bark painting with my mother (Banduk Marika). One of my nephews who I closely grew up with is named after the same channel of water (Rawu) and has been away from home for some years now. The same design signifies my connection with the water and growing up here. Spending time living away from here in Newcastle and Darwin has always made me miss being at home in Yirrkala. Ruby Alderton is the youngest daughter of award winning artist Banduk Marika. At just 17 she is developing her strong talent for printmaking and has recently begun painting on bark.

Text courtesy of Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka Centre