Constance Puruntatameri

Constance, a proud member of the Munupi Clan group, was born in Paru, situated south of Melville Island. Raised primarily in Pirlangimpi, she often visited her beloved homeland, Yapalika. After completing her high school education at Kormilda College in Darwin, Constance returned to Pirlangimpi to be with her family.During her upbringing, Constance drew inspiration from her father, Romuald Puruntatameri, a skilled carver and dedicated advocate for culture and tradition. Under his guidance, she learned the art of painting and adorning carvings with traditional Jilamara (designs)."When I am painting I think about growing up with the old people and learned culture and art. I think about country, and what I do. I love fishing and going hunting too and when I come back home I think about it and then I do painting"In addition to her artistic pursuits, Constance is deeply committed to preserving and sharing her cultural heritage. She devotes her time to teaching culture in Northern Territory prisons, where she empowers inmates to make positive choices and reconnect with their identities.