Shellwork slippers | Marilyn Russell | purple

Continuing the tradition of shellwork which has been handed down to her from her mother Esme Timbery, Marilyn Russell?s work represents her connection to the past and a process of healing. Through these fine art objects, Marilyn keeps Bidjigal women?s shellwork tradition alive. Tracing back to the early 1880s in the La Perouse area, Bidjigal women created similar items that were sold to tourists visiting the area. Prior to this time, Bidjigal people used seashells to make fish hooks, jewellery (for both men and women) as well as sacred objects. Marilyn is ensuring the longevity of this tradition by passing this practice and cultural knowledge to the next generation, just as her mother Esme did.

These distinctive shellwork slippers are hand formed from cardboard, covered in velvet and fabric, and then intricately embellished with shells and glitter. Each pair is unique in their design, shell combinations and patterning.

Presented en masse, as in Esme Timbrey?s work (currently exhibited in MCA Collection: Artists in Focus), the slippers represent a memorial to The Stolen Generation. Through the slippers silence and emptiness, they bear witness to the absence of the children who were forcibly removed from their families and community throughout the Twentieth century.

Details:
Pair of shellwork slippers
Approximate size: 13cm long x 7cm wide x 4.5cm high (each)
This particular pair of slippers is available online only. A broader selection of Marilyn Russell's work is available in store.
To view more works by Marilyn Russell click HERE