In Alice Springs, there are several art centers and galleries where you can browse through some of the most valuable art in the world and find a piece you will admire and proudly display at home. How about opting for street artists, making their living by selling their talent and skills? Strolling down the streets of Alice Springs I got into a little chat with the Aboriginal family. I was impressed by their work. Some of these beautiful, unique rugs and kilims were hand embroidered and chain-stiched, made from natural fibers.
What was explained was that these works of art are often designed in isolated community groups where the majority of the population are Indigenous Australians. The artists are mainly inspired by their surroundings, therefore, materials decorated in sea life are usually made by coastal communities, while depictions of town life are from those living within the Alice Springs area. As some communities are very remote, they tend to depend upon markets, online stores, and art fairs to sell their products. As a result, these rugs, carpets, kilims, etc. are frequently purchased by non-Indigenous tourists with no real experience and knowledge of the community and place which is so important to the development of the product. Missing their initial context, the shopping centers and art galleries often attempt to fabricate a story behind the product and its meaning.
Having been reassured of my own convictions and beliefs, I continued to explore the streets of Alice Springs. Not long later I interacted with this friendly and talented street artist, Esther. What an enthusiastic and optimistic person she was. She introduced me to her professional and personal life which I embraced with all my heart. Listening to her touching stories about her and other Aboriginal families enriched me spiritually and mentally. Please watch the video from our encounter.
Frog on the border 