Venita Woods

Born in Kaltukatjara (Docker River) in Western Australia, Venita Woods is the daughter of Elaine Woods and the granddaughter of Maringka Baker. Venita was raised on her mother’s country of Kanpi, located at the base of the Mann Ranges, SA. Her work depicts the sacred sites of her birthplace, where dreamings are passed down through the generations and traditional ceremonies are conducted.
Venita Woods uses a diverse colour palate to reference the rockholes and sandhills and general form of her country. The convergence of colour, intricate dot work and diverse design elements (wherein people are represented by ‘U’ shapes seated with their coolamon bowl and digging sticks), infuse Venita Wood’s canvas with a rhythm and energy that is joyful and highly dynamic.
Venita’s paintings rejoice in the growth cycles and the locating and gathering of bush foods, plants and water, all of which are sacred elements for life in the desert. Her topographical works are informed by the warm striking colours of the desert sands and flowers. Roundels represent waterholes, meeting sites, important women’s sacred business.