On country, out bush, online, join us in an experimental first-ever hybrid weaving workshop with indigenous weavers from Arnhem Land.

We are up for trying something very new to us. Zoom in the bush. My family of traditional indigenous weavers, headed by Christine Nabobbob, are keen to share their weaving knowledge via the internet to all over the world! Come and join us as we navigate the zoomscape from the spirit homeland of northern Australia, Kunwinjku country. This is going to be an epic experience of sharing, openly and vulnerably, what its like to sit on country and still be part of the modern world, combining Indigenous practises with western communication tools. Working together, we aim to share an incredible opportunity – to be on country, listening to the voices of the bush, weaving together, sharing timeless presence on country. This is not going to be a seamlessly produced zoom event. It is going to be raw, real, and interesting, and loads of fun. It will be offered in consideration of indigenous ways, which means we endeavour to start on time, but still hold the possibility that it might need to be cancelled at short notice due to unforseen cultural factors (in which case we will refund your admission fees). We make no excuses for technical glitches, as we are all winging it, with love, but all are really keen and ready to share, even if camera angels are askew. I will be tending the computer scape (checking the chat box) and facilitating connection between everyone as the ladies sit in the shade and teach you all. Breakout groups might occur (or might not, according to the needs of the group). This is a zoom that will unfold in response to the needs of the present moment, and in acknowledgement of the moment. If this realness is something you are drawn to, and are happy to laugh at the glitches (if and when they might occur), then you are in for a treat. We ask for a $50 (AUD) contribution to facilitator fees. If you can’t afford that, please get in touch with me, René. I will send you a link to a (rough) video I have created that will teach you the basic skills of coil weaving, to help the learning on the day, as teaching people online is not something the ladies are familiar with, and you can practice/learn before we get online together.

Materials needed:

You will need to provide your own needle, scissors and fibre (like raffia) to work with. We will be using traditional pandanus fibre, which can be bought later, if desired, online from me personally. There will be no time to sell any beforehand, as I will be out of range intermittently (I’m in Arnhem Land at the moment), though you can follow my travels on www.facebook.com/rene.bahloo

This is short notice, and needs to tie in with timings of when we are all together, and we want to share with you when that happens. It’s a really special opportunity to get a feel for our joyous expression in this magnificent world, as we walk together, in family.