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Inspired by Broome
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Inspired byBroome
The rich colours, textures and sights of Broome are brought to life through the works of its talented local artists.
By TORI WILSON.
BROOME GALLERY
If anybody captures the intensity of Broome’s colour palette, it’s James Down, artist and owner of Broome Gallery. Well known for his whimsical paintings reflecting his love of Broome’s history and the Kimberley’s vibrant colours, James’ work is widely coveted. In fact, his work is so popular that you’ll find it hanging in homes all over the world.
“I love listening to the stories from some of the older Broome residents,” says James. “It gives me the inspiration to create a huge range of paintings, adding historic buildings and the spectacular landscape of Broome and the Kimberley.”
James and his business partner and wife Sherile bought the historic TB Ellies building in Carnarvon Street, one of the most recognisable buildings in the town centre, which has now been completely renovated giving the old girl new life.
You’ll find James’ paintings populated with familiar icons of the Kimberley and Broome – pearl luggers drifting off towards the horizon, a sturdy boab tree standing sentry on the red land, camels striding along Cable Beach.
James takes commissions but also offers customisation options for his range of beautiful prints. Add in your family, car, or pets to his prints, for a completely unique memento to take home. James always included his own dog Oscar, in every painting; a kind of Where’s Wally. While Oscar sadly passed away last year, he will forever remain a major inspiration.
“We found Oscar on Cable Beach about 14 years ago, he’d been left for dead,” says James. Having lived to around 16 years old, Oscar had become a bit of a celebrity in Broome before he passed.
Thanks to the changing scenery between the wet and dry seasons, James enjoys using oils to depict the drama nature unfolds before his eyes.
“Broome – there’s no place like it.” Broome Gallery, Shop 1/23 Carnarvon Street, Broome. Call 08 9193 5003 or email info@ broomegallery.com.au
ALLYSHA CARTLEDGE
Photographer and artist Allysha Cartledge has a talent for capturing the mesmerising colours and wonderful wildlife of Broome and the surrounding Kimberley region.
Working with acrylics on canvas, Allysha is inspired heavily by anything in its natural form, steering away from anything manmade and focusing predominately on capturing birds, trees, marine life, and water bodies.
“I'm always getting inspired by the colours I see, the way the light reflects off landscapes and the stories I observe with wildlife,” says Allysha.
“I love a good sunset or sunrise. I always tend to work with those colours as well as the beautiful colours of birds and the Kimberley landscape.”
Doubling as a professional photographer, Allysha uses her photography to capture small details to work into her piece, striving to tell a story.
Her work is available as prints on cotton paper or stretched canvas and can be purchased online. Visit allyshacartledge.com
BLACK STUMP GALLERY
Black Stump Gallery brings a new wave of creativity to Broome and the Kimberley through contemporary collections of locally inspired artworks. Owners Emma Blyth and her husband Simon Haggett are passionate about the Kimberley, having frequently taken time out to explore the region over the past 20 years.
Having exhibited Emma’s own artwork in various galleries and pop up shops, as well as undertaking artist residencies at Cable Beach Club over the course of those years, they’ve been dreaming of owning their own gallery in Broome for some time. Finally that dream has become a reality and the duo are now extremely excited to have their own space, which not only showcases their own exquisite and contemporary works but also exhibits the impressive artworks of other local artists.
“We first headed up north on a camping trip in our old ute back in in 2001 and could not stay away,” says Emma.
“I was absolutely blown away on that initial trip travelling the Gibb River Road and up to Mitchell Falls and Kalumburu. The remoteness and striking landscapes really were the most amazing experiences.
“The roads were pretty rough in the old Landcruiser! Camping under the stars with nothing but a mozzie net and a mattress and an old barbie grate to cook on. It was simple, and I wouldn’t change a thing. Whistling kites hovering in the smoke of our campfire, catching my first ‘Barra’ and cooking it on the coals whilst watching the full moon rise above the range. It was a trip of a lifetime and we still head out bush as often as possible.”
Located in Old Broome, Black Stump exhibits a wide range of works in various media and locally inspired Australian made art and gifts.
The original artworks exhibited at Black Stump are unique and characterised by a deep connection to the land and its natural beauty. The gallery brings together select artists who showcase their own interpretation of this captivating region of Australia.
“Black Stump products will always be made in Australia,” says Emma. “Proudly, this helps support local businesses and also reduces our carbon footprint.”
Visit Black Stump Gallery to collect your own piece of the Kimberley. Black Stump Gallery 42 Carnarvon Street, Broome. (08) 9193 5698
B LACK S T U MP
GALLERY
ART + GIFTS
INSPIRED BY THE KIMBERLEY
42 Carnarvon Street Broome WA p 08 9193 5698 e info@blackstumpgallery.com.au www.blackstumpgallery.com.au
SOBRANE
With a reputation that reaches far and wide around the world, Sobrane is best known for her impressive, large-scale murals; but she’s recently added screen printing to her repertoire and the results are stunning.
Salt-Moxie is the name of Sobrane’s new shop on Carnarvon Street where you’ll find a trove of fantastic, printed t-shirts produced in collaboration with other diverse artists.
Local Indigenous artist Wayne Philips is one such collaborator. Having fallen in love with Wayne’s carved boab nut’s, Sobrane has applied the design to t-shirts and tea towels, making it even more accessible for visitors to take a little slice of Broome home.
Other collaborators include local Indigenous artist Carol Cox; artist Aaron Springett, best known for working with skulls and Norse themes; and graphic designer Joshua Cox, who has added a striking graphic element to one of Sobrane’s own designs.
Having opened the shop in June 2022, Sobrane says t-shirt production is in full swing, however she’s still got her sights set on a several murals too.
Her most recently completed mural depicted the first tour guide of Mimbi Caves and a pioneer for Indigenous tourism, Neville Sharpe, which you can find in massive scale across the Mimbi Caves water tank (read more on page 18).
Sobrane’s next project, also at Mimbi Caves, is likely to showcase a large-scale wildlife theme to elevate the area. Gallery Sobrane, 48 Carnarvon Street, Broome. Salt-Moxie, 17 Carnarvon St, Broome.
‘It’s a Vibe’
48 Carnarvon Street, Broome, WA 6725
