AUSTRALIAN MADE

“This is my country. I paint because I enjoy painting. My Mother, Edie Holmes let us paint with her when we were young and now we paint all the time. We still paint and talk together in a family group with our kids.” – Alana Holmes

As the textiles renaissance takes place, the role of the tea towel begins to shift. Not just a gift for your great aunty overseas, these amazing designs from esteemed Aboriginal artist deserves pride of place in our own lives, whether it's hanging as a focal centrepiece on your living room wall, used as a thoughtful and sustainable gift wrapping alternative, or to dry and shine up your delicate teacups or wine glasses.

Made in Australia
Dimensions: 45cm x 75cm (approx)

The community of Ampilatwatja made a conscious decision not to paint altyerr dreaming stories. The artists paint their country where those stories sit.

Alana has painted her country after rain where the ground may seem dry but the flowers and trees are green and growing strong. 

Alana's mother Edie Holmes is a well known artist of Ampilatwatja, who taught Alana how to paint when she was a young child.

Like many mums, Alana is extremely busy with four children to look after and though she loves to paint she does not get the time to paint like she used to.

Based on the artwork by Alana Holmes.
Includes information about the artist and artwork.

“This is my country. I paint because I enjoy painting. My Mother, Edie Holmes let us paint with her when we were young and now we paint all the time. We still paint and talk together in a family group with our kids.” – Alana Holmes

Imagine carrying this beautiful tote bag and sparking inspiration and conversation everywhere you guy. You can't but love this design based on the amazing painting of  Alana Holmes with its story and connection to country.

The community of Ampilatwatja made a conscious decision not to paint altyerr dreaming stories. The artists paint their country where those stories sit.

Alana has painted her country after rain where the ground may seem dry but the flowers and trees are green and growing strong. 

Alana's mother Edie Holmes is a well known artist of Ampilatwatja, who taught Alana how to paint when she was a young child.

Like many mums, Alana is extremely busy with four children to look after and though she loves to paint she does not get the time to paint like she used to.

Cotton Tote Bag
All over Print.
Print  placement will vary between bags and from image shown.
Made in Australia
Dimensions (Approx): 
Bag: 40cm x 40cm.
Base Gusset: 16cm
Handles: 60cm

Based on the artwork by Alana Holmes.
Includes information about the artist and artwork.

If your pet wears a collar then they can wear one of these 100% Cotton Pet Bandanas. Made in Australia, pet bandanas feature incredible artwork of Betty Pula Morton reproduced under license from Artists of Ampilatwatja (pronounced um-bludder-witch)  in the Northern Territory. These pet bandanas are worn on the collar rather than the neck so one size fits most!  

Betty has been painting with Artists of Ampilatwatja since 2013. She draws her inspiration from the country where she goes hunting or looking for bush yams and bush bananas, “sometimes I just like to go out there to see country”.

The Artists of Ampilatwatja community was established in 1999 near Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. The work produced by the artists is recognisably distinct from other Aboriginal artistic communities, due to the application of fine dots and the often bright, figurative depiction of the land. 

Instructions:
Slip the collar all the way through the bandana opening. The bandana is now attached to the collar so you don't have to worry about it untying. 

Artwork/placement varies between bandana so each one is a little bit different and may vary from image shown.

Royalties from this product directly benefit the artists and their community.

As the textiles renaissance takes place, the role of the tea towel begins to shift. Not just a gift for your great aunty overseas, these amazing designs from esteemed Aboriginal artist deserves pride of place in our own lives, whether wall art hanging as a focal centrepiece on your living room wall, used as a thoughtful and sustainable gift wrapping alternative, or to dry and shine up your delicate teacups or wine glasses.

Betty has been painting with Artists of Ampilatwatja since 2013. She draws her inspiration from the country where she goes hunting or looking for bush yams and bush bananas, “sometimes I just like to go out there to see country”.

Made in Australia
Dimensions: 45cm x 75cm (approx)

The Artists of Ampilatwatja community was established in 1999 near Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. The work produced by the artists is recognisably distinct from other Aboriginal artistic communities, due to the application of fine dots and the often bright, figurative depiction of the land. 

In Australia, many of us need protection from glare and UV rays most of the year. Why not bring art into your everyday wearing your very own adjustable visor featuring incredible artwork by Charlene Marshall from Warlukurlangu Artists, reproduced under license.

Charlene Napanangka Marshall was born in Alice Springs and grew up in the remote community of Nyirripi. 

Charlene grew up watching her aunt Eunice Napangardi, a well-known and very important artist, paint Yuparli (bush banana) dreamings.

Charlene has been inspired to paint and carry on the tradition within her family. “My kids like my paintings, they like the colours”. Charlene paints Wanakiji Jukurrpa (Bush Tomato Dreaming), Yuparli Dreaming (Bush Banana Dreaming), and Karnta Jukurrpa (Women’s Dreaming).

Royalties from this product directly benefit the artist and their community.

- Adjustable Snapback closure
- Pre Curved peak 
- 100% Acrylic

Each visor is unique.  This variation occurs because it depends on where the pattern has been cut on the fabric. 

Established in 1985 Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Corporation is a not-for-profit organisation that is 100% Aboriginal-owned by its artists from the remote desert communities of Yuendumu and Nyirripi in Central Australia.

Sometimes we don't want to be laden with a heavy or sweaty leather bag or backpack. This lightweight drawstring bag is perfect for those times.

Made in Australia, this 100% drawstring bag features the incredible artwork of Daisy Moss reproduced under license from the Artists of Ampilatwatja, pronounced um-bludder-witch).

Australia's diverse flora and natural settings provide a canvas of stunning colours. The work is recognisably distinct from those of artists of other Aboriginal communities. The land is often depicted in bright, figurative motifs and the dots are used are very fine.

The Artists of Ampilatwatja community was established in 1999 near Alice Springs in the Northern Territory.

Artwork/placement varies between bags so each design is unique and may vary from image shown. 

Dimensions: 30cm x 45 cm.
Made in Australia

More about the artist Daisy Moss:

This beautiful Australian Made Soap is scented with Eucalyptus and contains luxurious Goats Milk & Shea Butter.  Hand wrapped with artwork by Victorian Artist Mick Harding (Ngarga Warendj - Dancing Wombat) this divine soap makes a special gift.

Royalties from this product directly benefit the artist. Mick Harding belongs to the Yowung-Illam-Baluk clan of the Taungwurung people - a tribe of the Kulin nation. Mick was born in Melbourne.

Mick draws inspiration from the compelling legends of his people and weaves the images of those legends into each of his original artworks, which reflect the unique symbols and artifacts of South East Australia. Each of the artworks Mick creates, is linked to a legend and challenges the viewer to understand their place in the story.

Mick is both an artist and a cultural educator, and it’s his goal to share the unique stories and culture of the Taungurung people through his artwork. FInd out more about Mick's amazing creative studio Ngarga Warendj here.

- 200g (7.5.oz)
- Made in Australia
- Not tested on Animals
- Soap Dimensions (approximate, may vary): 10cm x 5.5cm x 3.5cm

‘I listen and hear those words a hundred years away
That is my Grandmother’s Mother’s Country
it seeps down through blood and memory and soaks
into the ground’

Judy Watson

As the textiles renaissance takes place, the role of the tea towel begins to shift. Not just a gift for your great aunty overseas, these amazing designs from esteemed Aboriginal artist deserves pride of place in our own lives, whether it's hanging as a focal centrepiece on your living room wall, used as a sustainable gift wrapping alternative or to dry and shine up your delicate tea cups or wine glasses.

Judy Napangardi Watson was born at Yarungkanji, Mt. Doreen Station, at the time when many Warlpiri & other Central & Western Desert Peoples were living a traditional nomadic life. Judy was taught painting by her elder sister, Maggie Napangardi Watson. She painted alongside her at Warlukurlangu artists for a number of years, developing her own unique style.

Judy is at the forefront of a move towards more abstract rendering of Jukurrpa, or The Dreaming,  by Warlpiri artists, however her work retains strong kurruwarri, the details which tell of the sacredness of place and song in her culture. Judy Napangardi Watson has been exhibiting artwork since 1990 throughout Australia & around the world. Her works are featured in several major collections.

Made in Australia
Dimensions: 45cm x 75cm (approx)

Established in 1985, Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Corporation is a not-for-profit organisation that is 100% Aboriginal-owned by its artists from the remote desert communities of Yuendumu and Nyirripi in Central Australia.  

Artwork/placement varies between tea towel. Each is unique and may differ slightly from image shown.

More about the artist:

It was this design that I saw hanging from a small gift store in the Northern New South Wales town of Brunswick Heads. It appealed to me so much and led me to Alperstein Designs and their collaboration with indigenous artists, something I had been searching for. Judy's work is eye-catching, the colours and shapes mesmerising, 

Judy Watson has described her experiences of travelling to her great-grandmother’s country in north-west Queensland, as ‘learning from the ground up’. It is a philosophy she has transplanted on her several journeys and residencies abroad. A distinguished artist, Judy represented Australia at the 1997 Venice Biennale,

Watson’s matrilineal link to the country of her ancestors has always been central to her printmaking and painting. The hidden histories of Indigenous experience on the colonial frontier – particularly those of women – continue to inspire her. Watson seeks the indelible impressions of past presence on the landscape – rubbings, engravings and incisions – and subtly inscribes them upon her work. 

Through her art, Watson repatriates the human artefacts and objects of collected cultures in museum storehouses, and reveals the ‘skeletons’ in colonial ‘closets’:

This magnificent artist interview by the Tate Gallery gives us an insight into Judy's work and inspiration. Along with her pieces, Judy's journey into understanding her grandmother's and great grandmother's stories,  also helps us to confront Aboriginal history in this country. Watch out for Judy's mum Joyce. She's a national treasure!

‘I listen and hear those words a hundred years away
That is my Grandmother’s Mother’s Country
it seeps down through blood and memory and soaks
into the ground’

Judy Watson

Established in 1985, Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Corporation is a not-for-profit organisation that is 100% Aboriginal-owned by its artists from the remote desert communities of Yuendumu and Nyirripi in Central Australia.  

Made in Australia, this cute-as 100% cotton pet bandana features the incredible artwork by Judy Watson reproduced under license from Warlukurlangu Artists in the Northern Territory. 

Worn on the collar rather than the neck it is one size fits most canines and felines in size. Simply slip the collar all the way through the bandana opening. The bandana is now attached to the collar so you don't have to worry about it untying. 

Artwork/placement varies between bandana so each design is unique and may varies from image shown.

More about the artist:

It was this design that I saw hanging from a small gift store in the Northern New South Wales town of Brunswick Heads. It appealed to me so much and led me to Alperstein Designs and their collaboration with indigenous artists, something I had been searching for. Judy's work is eye-catching, the colours and shapes mesmerising, 

Judy Watson has described her experiences of travelling to her great-grandmother’s country in north-west Queensland, as ‘learning from the ground up’. It is a philosophy she has transplanted on her several journeys and residencies abroad. A distinguished artist, Judy represented Australia at the 1997 Venice Biennale,

Watson’s matrilineal link to the country of her ancestors has always been central to her printmaking and painting. The hidden histories of Indigenous experience on the colonial frontier – particularly those of women – continue to inspire her. Watson seeks the indelible impressions of past presence on the landscape – rubbings, engravings and incisions – and subtly inscribes them upon her work. 

Through her art, Watson repatriates the human artefacts and objects of collected cultures in museum storehouses, and reveals the ‘skeletons’ in colonial ‘closets’:

This magnificent artist interview by the Tate Gallery gives us an insight into Judy's work and inspiration. Along with her pieces, Judy's journey into understanding her grandmother's and great grandmother's stories,  also helps us to confront Aboriginal history in this country. Watch out for Judy's mum Joyce. She's a national treasure!

‘I listen and hear those words a hundred years away
That is my Grandmother’s Mother’s Country
it seeps down through blood and memory and soaks
into the ground’

Judy Watson

Established in 1985, Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Corporation is a not-for-profit organisation that is 100% Aboriginal-owned by its artists from the remote desert communities of Yuendumu and Nyirripi in Central Australia.  

Made in Australia, this 100% cotton drawsting bag features the incredible artwork by Judy Watson reproduced under license from Warlukurlangu Artists in the Northern Territory. 

A lightweight bag for when you're walking the dog, doing a local bread and milk run up at the shops, or just because you love Judy's amazing colours and design.

Artwork/placement varies between bag so each design is unique and may vary from image shown.

More about the artist:

It was this design that I saw hanging from a small gift store in the Northern New South Wales town of Brunswick Heads. It appealed to me so much and led me to Alperstein Designs and their collaboration with indigenous artists, something I had been searching for. Judy's work is eye-catching, the colours and shapes mesmerising, 

Judy Watson has described her experiences of travelling to her great-grandmother’s country in north-west Queensland, as ‘learning from the ground up’. It is a philosophy she has transplanted on her several journeys and residencies abroad. A distinguished artist, Judy represented Australia at the 1997 Venice Biennale,

Watson’s matrilineal link to the country of her ancestors has always been central to her printmaking and painting. The hidden histories of Indigenous experience on the colonial frontier – particularly those of women – continue to inspire her. Watson seeks the indelible impressions of past presence on the landscape – rubbings, engravings and incisions – and subtly inscribes them upon her work. 

Through her art, Watson repatriates the human artefacts and objects of collected cultures in museum storehouses, and reveals the ‘skeletons’ in colonial ‘closets’:

This magnificent artist interview by the Tate Gallery gives us an insight into Judy's work and inspiration. Along with her pieces, Judy's journey into understanding her grandmother's and great grandmother's stories,  also helps us to confront Aboriginal history in this country. Watch out for Judy's mum Joyce. She's a national treasure!

If your pet wears a collar then they can wear this 100% Cotton Dog & Pet Bandana with rich artwork by artist Maggie Long from the Yarliyil Art Centre in Halls Creek.

Made in Australia, pet bandanas feature incredible artworks reproduced under license from Yarliyil Art Centre In Halls Creek, Western Australia. These pet bandanas are worn on the collar rather than the neck so one size fits most!  

Yarliyil Art Centre, Halls Creek is located in the East Kimberley region of Western Australia. Yarliyil Artists work across a range of styles and mediums, representing the rich culture of the land, its history & the people. The main language groups of Yarliyil Artists are Jaru, Kidja & Walmajarri. Royalties from this product directly benefit the artists and their community.

Watch First Nations artist Maggie Long describe some of her works here.

Artwork/placement varies between bandana so each one is a little bit different and may vary from image shown.

Instructions:
Slip the collar all the way through the bandana opening. The bandana is now attached to the collar so you don't have to worry about it untying. 

Artwork/placement varies between bandana so each one is a little bit different and may vary from image shown.

Here at Fora, we celebrate nature and the myriad of colours it embues.

Nora Davidson's artwork is proudly colourful and bold. Using this lightweight and well-sixed tote bag will have you mesmerised by the shimmering planes of colour, rich hues, light effects and her delicate dotwork.

Nora's works are inspired by the stories of her country which were passed down to her by elders in her community. Most of Nora's body of work explores and reflects her love of the themes of her country, Illurrpa, her ancestor's way of life and her own traditional bush upbringing.

Through Nora's skill, technique and deep understanding of the medium she allows the us profound insight into her family's heritage as well as an education and knowledge of the land.

Nora Davidson was born in 1955 in Multju near the community of Jameson where her family are the custodians of the story for the area of Illurrpa. Nora was brought up in a traditional bush life and is a proud speaker of Ngaanyatjarra language.

She currently lives with her family in the Papulankutja Community (Blackstone), a remote Aboriginal Community, located at the foothills of the Blackstone Ranges in the Ngaanyatjarra Lands, Western Australia. 

Papulankutja Artists evolved out of the Women’s Centre where painting has been encouraged as an activity since 2001. Once registered as an Aboriginal Corporation in 2004 the artists were now able to govern their art centre independently. 

In 2009 Papulankutja Artists moved into a purpose built art centre with rooms for men and women to paint. As well as their paintings Papulankutja Artists are known for their innovative fibre work and carvings from local wood. 

Cotton Tote Bag
All over Print. 
Print  placement will vary between bags and from image shown.
Made in Australia
Dimensions (Approx): 
Bag: 40cm x 40cm.
Base Gusset: 16cm
Handles: 60cm

Based on artwork by Nora Davidson from Papulankutja Artists located at Blackstone, Western Australia.
Includes information about the artist and artwork.

The purpose of the tea towel is not as it once was. Not just a gift for your great aunty overseas to sit in the third draw down, these amazing designs from esteemed Aboriginal artist such as Ruth Stewart deserve pride of place in our own lives, whether it's as wall art hanging as a focal centrepiece on your living room wall, used as a thoughtful and sustainable gift wrapping alternative, or to dry and shine up your delicate teacups or wine glasses.

Made in Australia
Dimensions: 45cm x 75cm (approx)

Ruth Napaljarri Stewart paints many different themes and stories that were passed down to her by her father. Ruth is the younger sister of the successful artist Paddy Japaljarri Stewart, a senior elder at Yuendumu. Her traditional country is in the Mount Allen region of the Northern Territory.

More about the artist: 

Ruth has painted with Warlukurlangu Artists since the 1980's, an Aboriginal owned and governed art centre located in Yuendumu. Her native language is Warlpiri. Her work has been exhibited far and wide and hold a permanent spot on the wall as at the Musée du quai Branly, Paris, France 

This lightweight and practical 100% cotton drawstring bag feature the incredible artwork based on 'Madja' (Rainforest) from the Wurarr-wurrarr (Dragonfly) Collection by Sheryl J Burchill. 

This design really stands out and evokes the user to consider what the motifs mean. At Fora, we feel privileged to share such designs and we hope that the stories behind them inspire and inform you too.

Artist Sheryl J Burchill counts being able to share all she has learned about her culture through her art as a blessing. She aims to inform her knowledge then use her understanding of Kuku Yalanji culture of Mossman - traditional stories and lifestyle – to express her ideas in a contemporary way.

Each drawstring bag is unique and the print placement varies from bag to bag. Included is information about the artist and artwork (swing tag). They are Made in Australia and royalties go directly back to the artist.

Dimensions (Approx): 
Bag: 30cm x 45cm.

More about Sheryl J Burchill:

The stories passed down to Sheryl by her mother and grandparents, in tandem with the landscape and the environment inspires Sheryl's artwork. Connection with her culture and the sense of knowing where she comes from, keeps her grounded and take on life's challenges.

Kuku Yalanji Name: Walbul-walbul (Butterfly)
Language Group: Kuku Yalanji & Kuku Nyungkal
Traditional Lands: Mossman, Daintree, Shipton’s Flat, China Camp - North Queensland, Australia.

Learn more about Australia's true rainforest people, the Kuku Yalanji people,  here

Sometimes we want a lightweight bag to take on errands. Ditching the sweaty leather, synthetic or man-made material for 100% cotton is an easy decision when you have designs featuring works by some of Australia's talented artists such as First Nations artist Watson Robertson. 

Watson Jangala Robertson was born into a family of established Warlpiri artists and grew up in the Yuendumu community, located 290 km north-west of Alice Springs. His family would take him out bush, around Nyirripi and Yuendumu, showing him sites and teaching him the traditional ways of his country. 

Watson doesn't restrict his colour palette to depict his traditional iconography so he has developed a modern individual style, using bold designs in many ways. 

Just as he was taught growing up, he often spends time hunting for food and bush tucker with family and friends, hunting for food such as goanna, kangaroo, snake, and witchetty grubs as well as bush tucker, such as native currants, bush potato and bush banana.

Established in 1985, Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Corporation is an Aboriginal owned and governed art centre located in Yuendumu and Nyirripi. Watson began to paint with the corporation in 2016.

As shown, Watson paints his Mother’s Watiya-warnu Jukurrpa (Seed Dreaming - top) and his grandfather’s Ngapa Jukurrpa – Puyurru (Water Dreaming - bottom), stories passed down to him through the many generations such as creation stories that relate to his family’s traditional country.

These traditions stretch back for millennia.

Each Watson Robertson drawstring bag has a unique print placement so each will  differ slightly from the image shown. Information about Watson Robertson is included with the artwork.

Let your hairy hunk of spunk know exactly how you feel.

This greeting card is perfect if you're after something a little stronger in tone than the garden variety newsagent greeting card and even more still, if one or both of you, are follically unchallenged.

This stationery is designed in Australia and printed on Bespoke Letterpress' antique press (which happens to be named "Helga") in Bowral, New South Wales.

A luminous combination of gold foil on a green heavyweight card.

Who's your hairy other half that deserves this very earnest card?

Letterpress hot foil printed "I like you and your man fur, sexy beast."

SPECIFICATION

Hand letter fractured gold foiled lettered on sage card.

Australian designed and made.

MATERIAL

Environmentally responsible, heavyweight card stock, with kraft envelope.

SIZE

108x135mm (when folded).