Eileen Bloomfield Perrule

I (Sabine Haider, Director, Central Art) began working with Eileen Bloomfield Perrule in 2011. It is only over the last few years that I have begun to work more closely with artists from Ltyentye Apurte, or more commonly known as Santa Teresa Community. It has been through word of mouth that the artists from this area have begun to visit Central Art. I have predominantly worked with artists from the Utopia region in Central Australia; however this has now expanded to include many different communities and language groups.

Eileen Bloomfield was born on 01 July 1942 at Ltyentye Apurte and is an Eastern Arrente woman. She is a very quiet artist and woman and she creates art as a cultural activity. Her stories depict bush tucker, seeds, pods and wild flowers which have a strong association with her country.

Most artists from the Santa Teresa region work with the Keringke Art Centre and Eileen’s artworks fit with the Keringke style of depiction, using bright colours and fine details as well as subject matter. Wild Flowers, seeds, pods and bush tucker are a regular and consistent theme for Aboriginal artists from this area, and their seasonal knowledge of when and where to find particular foods each year was essential for their survival in the harsh Central Australian environment. Many Aboriginal people today continue to hunt and gather and pass this vital knowledge down through generations as has been the tradition for centuries. The important and sacred knowledge and Dreamings are passed down through generations through initiation ceremonies and teaching through song, dance and now through paintings and artworks.

Central Art supports Eileen and in 2011 many of her works sold very successfully. Eileen’s attention to detail and colour schemes create wonderful patterns with deeper meanings that can be seen on the surface. We look forward to working with her again in the near future.