|
This image shows the overlapping plates found in this naturally occurring white pigment, also known as kaolin and china clay. These plates reflect the underlying arrangement of the layers of aluminium, silicon and oxygen atoms in the crystal lattice and give the ochre its slippery feel. As well as its use as a pigment, this mineral is used in the production of porcelain, paper, cosmetics, as an aid to blood clotting and to treat upset stomachs and diarrhoea. This image shows an area 185 nanometres wide (1 nanometre is one millionth of a millimetre) Image: Hongwei Liu |
Winniper Springs is around five minutes outside of Warmun, near Texas Downs Station. I used to go there when I was little. I was living at Alice Downs, and then we during our holiday time, we would come into Turkey Creek way. When I was a little bit older, around ten years or so, the older people like Aunty Nancy and Uncle Beerbee would tell us about Winniper Springs. When I first went there, it was lovely. It’s really beautiful when you go there, you can see rocks on either side, and a waterfall. When the weather is hot, it’s nice and cold in the water. People and kids go there to swim. The micrograph of the White Ochre reminded me of Winniper Springs. It reminded me of the rocks on either side of the Spring. Painting that place brings good ‘liyan’ and makes me think of the old times, walking around there during holiday time. Sometimes, when Gardiya (whitefellows) feel hot, they go to Winniper to swim, but they do not ask me or traditional owners for permission. Sometimes they go from Springvale or around Warmun. Artist: Evelyn Malgil, Warmun art Centre |