Jeannie started painting Batiks in the mid 1980’s and now paints several different Dreamings including: Bush Medicine Leaves, Bush Seed, Bush Yam, Bush Peanut, Wild Flowers and Mountain Devil Lizard. Jeannie’s work is unique by her use of vibrant colours. Jeannie is the sister to senior Utopian Artist Greeny Purvis Petyarre, 2005 Telstra Award Winner, Evelyn Pultara, and noted Artists Rosemary Petyarre and Anna Price Petyarre. She is the cousin to well know Artists Gloria Petyarre, Kathleen Petyarre, Ada Bird Petyarre, Myrtle Petyarre, Nancy Petyarre, Violet Petyarre and Jean Petyarre. She is also the niece of the great Emily Kame Kngwarreye. Many of her works depict leaves of a special plant that are used for medical purposes. Women go to different places around her country, Utopia, to collect such leaves. Once selected the leaves are boiled to extract resin and Kangaroo fat is mixed through, creating a paste that can be stored in the bush for extended periods. The medicine is used to heal cuts, bites, burns, rashes and also acts as an insect repellent. Her main dreamings include Bush leaves, Bush Medicine, Bush Peanut, Mountain Devil Lizard Wild Flowers and Yam Seed which she paints in rich, vibrant colours. Her work is fast becoming highly sought after and is well worth including in any serious collection.
Today, Jeannie Petyarre spends her time between her homeland at Utopia and in Alice Springs.
