Elsie Gabori “My Country” original acrylic on paper 76.5cm x 58cm

Description

Mornington Island Artist

Elsie Gabori Dibirdibi
Born: circa 1947
Deceased: 2022

Language: Kayardild
Origin: Dulkawalne – Bentinck Island

Biography

“I was born on Bentinck Island. When I was about 2 or 3 years old our people were all taken from Bentinck island to the mission on Mornington Island because there was a severe fresh water shortage on Bentinck Island. I was placed in the dormitory and kept away from my parents. I attended the mission school along with the Lardil children of Mornington Island. I went to school until I turned 15 and then I went to work as a housemaid in the mission house. I was paid about 10 shillings a week but we lived off the land and sea and didn’t really need money.

“A vacancy opened on a cattle property on the mainland at Kamilaroy and I was sent there to work as a house servant for 3 years before I returned to Mornington Island. I raised a family of 3 girls and 2 boys with my present partner Bob Thompson.

“I only had housework to do and was bored. My mum was selling lots of paintings and really enjoyed painting. One of my brothers passed away so I went up to the Art Centre with mum to keep her company and decided to try painting for myself. I found that I loved it as well. I really want to become a good artist like my mum and paint about Bentinck Island and my people and their stories.”