Samantha Daniels Napaltjarri Biography

DOB: 1982
Born: Docker River, NT, Central Desert Region
Language: PLuritja
Paintings: Women's Dreaming - Land Creation, My Country, Seven Sisters Dreaming

Samantha Daniels Napaltjarri was born in 1982 and lives in the Docker River Community.  She is both a successful artist and active social worker, having successfully completed her University Degree.

She is the granddaughter of the highly acclaimed artist Linda Syddick and often paints alongside Linda and her mother Ruby Nangala. Samantha has been painting since 2005 and is proud to promote her culture through her artwork. She has had sell-out exhibitions with Maruka Art Centre in Ayers Rock, Northern Territory and has also successfully sold her artworks through many reputable galleries throughout Australia.

Samantha uses a striking colour palette and heavy dot work to depict Women’s Dreaming stories that depict her grandfather’s country. Permission to paint sacred sites must be granted and was given to Samantha by her grandmother.

Her whimsical graphics map out where essential bush foods are found in the desert. She utilises traditional iconography, describing where important ceremonial sites are found, specific types of edible plants, landscape markings and women sitting around ceremonial sites.

The concentric circles represent the ceremonial and rock hole sites, with the U-Shaped motifs depicting the women sitting around these sites. The linear background patterns are the surrounding sandhills and general landscapes, while the floral shapes represent the bush foods found in the area.

Her artwork is highly sought after, and her talent is obvious. Many art critics believe she is well on her way to becoming one of Australia’s most successful female aboriginal artists whose artworks will be sought after by collectors worldwide.