Whale Tote Bag

Show your love for whales with this very special tote bag, featuring Indigenous humpback whale art from Jirrbal, Wagedoegam, Ngapuhi & Scottish artist Beau Pennefather-Motlop.

Artist Statement: Beau Pennefather Motlop

"Cultural giants - Earth sky and water are connected. Behaviour of ocean and sky animals can signal what’s happening on land and vice versa. When the Green ants build a long torpedo shaped nest (full of the queens) it signifies whether or not a tropical cyclone is coming to your area. The Seven Sisters constellation tells East Coast mob when whales are migrating past their Country.

Background circular patterns are protective spirits for the whales whilst on their journeys. As totems for many language groups, whales represent family and kinship bonds and guardianship.

Patterns within the whales are representing important knowledge and nature indicators that were vital for our Ancestors. Sun and moon, tidal changes, seasonal weather cycles, ocean currents. Also, weaving and linking patterns for strength and resilience."

About the artist: Beau Pennefather Motlop

"I grew up in Cairns, Far North Queensland from the age of eight years old. My background includes Aboriginal from the Jirrabal tribe of the Surrounding Cairns region, Torres strait island descendance from the Wagedoegam tribe of Mabuiag Island as well as Ngapuhi from New Zealand. My Torres Strait Island Totems are Crocodile, Snake, Stonefish and Remora. My Aboriginal Totem is Dingo.

2006 is when I started to take my art practice seriously and began experimenting with various mediums including pencil, pastels and acrylic paint I now do the majority of my artwork digitally.

I love to create depth and dimensions with colours and size differences, I use an abundance of detail and intricate patterns, but I also like to balance out my artwork with emptiness and quiet. My motifs and circular patterns are a unique combination drawn from my three Indigenous heritages."

Tote
Reinforced shoulder straps, one large main compartment
Mid weight, 320 GSM
100% cotton canvas
One size 37cm x 46cm

Tote Bags: 37cm x 46cm (one size)

Reinforced shoulder straps, one large main compartment

Mid weight, 320 GSM

100% cotton canvas

Bucket Hats: 61cm (one size)

One size fits all (approximately 61cm circumference, 9cm height).

Tea Towels: 45cm x 70cm (one size)

100% cotton twill tea towel

2 x hang loops at back for easy display or hanging

Aprons: 90cm x 76cm (one size)

Heavy weight, 320 GSM, 100% cotton canvas

Herringbone cross over shoulder strap, metal eyelets, front patch pocket, top stitch detailing, preshrunk to minimise shrinkage

Length: 90cm, Waist: 76cm, Pocket length: 24cm, Pocket width: 46cm