Teens Punch-Needling Workshop

Create your own tufted masterpiece

Be inspired by Jila Kujarra: Two Snakes Dreaming, by Desmond Taylor and Mariaan Pugh, with a free punch-needling workshop.

In this workshop you’ll learn the basics of punch needling, otherwise known as tufting. Mariaan will demonstrate some of the different ways tufting can be used to create vibrant, colourful pieces.

Sessions & Times

Saturday, 15 March

1:30pm - 4:00pm

Extra things to know

About the artists

Desmond Taylor is a Manyjilyjarra and Warnman man, who was born in 1964 near the Oakover River, moving to Jigalong soon after. Desmond’s family were among the last Martu to live entirely in the desert without access to rations or western supplies. He went to school in Nullagine and Perth and now works as a professional translator and educator, as well as maintaining an arts practice.

Desmond primarily paints his family’s Ngurra (Country) around Karlamilyi (Rudall River) and the creation narratives for that Country, especially the Niminjarra Jukurrpa (Dreaming) stories, and the associated narratives of the Jila Kujarra, narratives as enduring as the continent we live upon, kept safe by Warnman people for all to share.

Mariaan Pugh was born in the United Kingdom in 1993 but has spent much of her life in Western Australia. Mariaan undertook her formal arts training, majoring in Textiles at Curtin University, as well as further training in Fashion and Textile Design at North Metropolitan TAFE.

Drawn to vivid colour, playful motifs, and seductive tactile surfaces, Mariaan’s work subverts traditional textile techniques such as rug making, embroidery and weaving, creating works that defy categorisation, sitting between textile and painting, while exploring themes of interpersonal relationships, longing and distance.

Where to go

This workshop will be held in the small studio space outside Festival Gallery. Look for the signs or just ask one of the gallery staff to show you the way.

For more information about Festival Gallery, see Plan Your Festival.

About the workshop

This class is specially designed for teens. Additional workshops are available for younger children and adults.

All materials are supplied, just bring your imagination!

Acknowledgements and image credit

Jila Kujarra: Two Snakes Dreaming was commissioned by Fremantle Arts Centre and presented in partnership between Fremantle Arts Centre and Martumili Arts. This project is made possible through the Regional Exhibition Touring Boost with funding managed by Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries and from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and delivered by ART ON THE MOVE.