Clara Inkamala: Pot: Ilia (Emu) 2002

Clara Inkamala was born in Hermannsburg to Gerhardt Inkamala, an Arrernte man, and Avis Enalanga, a woman of Luritja descent. She was named after her grandmother Clara, Albert Namatjira's sister, who was especially noted for her work in embroidery. Clara is the sister of Noreen Hudson, who produced the first works of the Hermannsburg Pottery acquired by the Queensland Art Gallery in 1995 (Pot: Pmere Nuka (My country) and Pot: Pmere Nuka (My country) 1994).

Like her sister, Clara Inkamala is especially attracted to depicting the bird life of Central Australia on her pieces. In addition to painting the emu on her pots she often models the bird and its eggs for the handle of the lid. Clearly, the emu is one of Inkamala's favourite subjects even though it is not her totem.¹ In Pot: Illia (Emu) 2002, the striking pattern of stripes on the emu chicks is especially attractive. In fact the images on the pot are treated with decorative emphasis, and the palette of strong blue, pink, greens and black reinforces the appeal of the subject.

The emu also features in a painting by Inkamala in the Collection: (Emu and chicks) 2002.

Essay by Glenn R Cooke, Research Curator, Queensland Heritage, February 2003.

Endnote

1. Telephone conversation with Naomi Sharp, Hermannsburg, 1 August 2003.