Well-known international Naga weaver and fibre artist, Lanny Mackenzie brought her story and a collection of artworks to the Winhanganha Aboriginal Learning Centre on Friday, November 18. 

Naga weaving is an Indonesian cultural art form in which the weaving occurs in three stages: spinning the yarn, dyeing and then the weaving itself.

Lanny’s main focus is to help others share their stories with art.

“Weaving shows stories,” she said, “but find your joy, find your passion – it could be painting, or sewing, or anything.”

Having worked with people who have experienced problems with drugs and alcohol, Lanny spoke about the benefits art can have in getting people to speak about the issues that affect them. “Once they make something they start to open up,” she explained.

Orange City Council Migrant Support Officer, Anni Gallagher, helped bring the event to Orange. Her work brings her into contact with people from many different cultures and she believes weaving is a great way to bring people together.

“It shares stories, shares cultures,” she said.

The event was catered with Indigenous teas and food, with Indonesian food to follow, allowing attendees to literally enjoy a taste of different cultures.

Organiser of the event, Gerri Colless, agreed the workshop was a great way of bridging the gap between different cultures. 

“Acceptance, tolerance and friendship – that’s the way forward,” Gerri said, pleased to have Indigenous elders Aunty Alice Williams, Aunty Muriel McMahon, Aunty Mary Parker, Aunty Daphne Monaghan and Aunty Robyn Smith help with the workshops.

“They’ve got a lot to teach us,” she explained. 

Weaving uses natural resources that are all around us and all the materials are easy to find, Lanny said, encouraging others to give it a go.

 “It’s an art form that recycles, reuses and will one day die too,” she said.

If you’re interested in learning more about weaving you can contact Lanny on lannym@bigpond.com or 0434 979 302