Margaret Rocky

I belong to the Kuku Nyungkal/Yalanji and Kaantju tribes. I was born at Laura Station in Southern Cape York Peninsula and went to school in Cooktown and then Lockhart River. I’m one of nine children (seven sisters and two brothers). My mum was Ruby Creek (nee Nunn) and she worked as a hairdresser. My dad worked as a stockman and as a diver for Trochus Shells. Later he worked with Goobidi Housing and Legal Aid, helping the people of Mossman Gorge.

My Mother’s language group is Kuku Nyungkul and my Father’s is Southern Kaanju.

When we moved back to Mossman Gorge, I have worked as a housekeeper and also doing odd jobs for different cane farmers. Over the years I’ve also been a foster mother to many children. I’ve attended TAFE and also participated in art classes at Douglas Art Base in Mossman. Here I began to develop my skills and hone my talent as an artist. I’ve not looked back!

My artwork focuses on linoprinting, screen printing, painting and bark. I also enjoy gathering bush tucker and seeds to make jewellery. At home I work on my art whenever I find the time.

The elders of my family passed on to me important cultural knowledge as well as everyday life stories, both of which I incorporate into my artwork.

Since I have the opportunity to sell my work through Yalanji Arts, I hope that this will encourage the younger generations to find their talent and follow me in my footsteps.