Ghost Net Dilly Bag by Bernadette Watt
Ghost Net Dilly Bag by Bernadette Watt
A ghost net is a discarded or lost plastic fishing net that continues to drift at sea, "fishing" on its own and causing significant environmental harm, including the loss of marine life. These nets frequently wash up on beaches in Northern Australian communities, where they contribute to environmental degradation. The term "ghost net" arises from the net's "ghostly" ability to fish independently.
The Anindilyakwa artists on Groote Eylandt have turned this environmental challenge into an opportunity for artistic expression. They repurpose ghost nets into contemporary woven artworks, such as baskets and sculptures, combining them with bush-dyed fabrics and other textiles. These "new ways" artworks reflect a creative evolution of traditional practices.
As artist Annabell Amagula explains, "It started from the old ways, making baskets with Pandanus. We do the new ways now with some ghost net and fabrics. Those nets kill our bush tucker, our turtles and fish and crab. The rangers go around and pick up the net and give it to us. Our weaving carries the story."
These works not only embody the blend of traditional and contemporary techniques but also serve as a powerful narrative of environmental awareness and cultural resilience.
Bag Size: H 20cm x 24cm
Artist
Bernadette Watt was born in Mount Isa, and her island home is Mornington Island, (Baralkis). She moved to Groote Eylandt with her family when she was 7 years old. Bernadette learned from her brothers how to paint and the stories behind the paintings.
Bernadette paints, makes jewellery, plant dyes, screen prints. She enjoys doing everything with all the women.
Bernadette works for the rehabilitation management team at the local mining company GEMCO, supervising a team of Warnumamalya staff who collect seeds and grow plants to rehabilitate areas where manganese mining operations have cleared the land. As an artist who weaves with ghost nets and recycled materials as well as natural pandanus and bush dyes, Bernadette knows the importance of caring for Country and her rehabilitation work is an extension of how she does this for her Country, her community and future generations.
Shipping
On smaller items we offer $15 flat rate regular mail using Australia Post. Delivery times from Groote Eylandt to capital cities in Australia is approximately 10-14 days.
You can optionally request Express shipping for $20 flat rate. Express shipping is faster, usually 4-5 days to capital cities. Deliveries to regional towns or country addresses may take longer.
Postage on larger items is calculated depending on size, weight and destination. Our team works to ensure that all artworks are posted as soon as possible. Larger artworks will be barged to Darwin and freighted, meaning delivery times can be up to four weeks.
Customers purchasing artworks online will be sent their tracking information.
