MARIA JOSETTE ORSTO

Maria Josette Orsto - deceased 2019-  who resided in Bathurst was the first female artist of Munupi Art and Crafts association, where she kept working occasionally.  The daughter of Jean Batiste Apuatimi and Declan Apuatimi, Maria Josette was taught painting and carving from a very early age. With her late husband a reputed carver, she was at the forefront of the art developments in the Tiwi Islands.  An acclaimed artist in her own right she had exhibited extensively Nationally and Internationally.  A dedicated artist she worked in many media including painting, printing batik and carving. A strong cultural woman Maria Josette created contemporary works that contributed to bridging the old and the new through her own personal creative interpretation.