Rosie is a self-taught Torres Strait Islander Lino-Block Textile Designer and Printer. She is an established artist who creates out of her home-based art studio on Thursday Island in the Torres Strait. Her mother, Sorbie Ware (nee Oth) originated from Murray Island in the Eastern Group of islands. Her father Elia Ware Snr. Came from St. Paul Village on Moa Island, with roots to Mabuiag Island in the near Western Island Group in the Torres Strait. Rosie began hand-printing textiles as a hobby in 1986. Her main medium is lino-block. She prints on quality silk and satin fabrics. She has been printing professionally since 1996 and has participated in many mainstream and Indigenous art exhibitions throughout Australia and overseas. Much of Rosie's inspiration comes from her culture, maritime history of her homeland and the beautiful marine environment that surrounds her. Her textile prints are in the collection of the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra; the National Maritime Museum, Sydney; the Queensland Art Gallery, Brisbane; and are purchased by private collectors in Australia and overseas.

In 2001 Rosie was nominated and was a finalist in the Textile and Fabric category of a prestigious award called Jaguar New Australian Designers of the Future in association with the up market Belle Magazine, Sydney. The Jaguar Australia Awards, with eight categories, were created to highlight the importance of good design 'and the exceptional calibre of Australian design' by recognizing outstanding young Australian Designers.

Recently, Rosie has turned her artistic skills into jewellery making, designing individually hand carved high quality pearl shell pendants with 9 & 18ct gold fittings. This is a collaborative work with her husband Russell. She also handcrafts necklaces and bracelets from handpicked seashells and seeds collected from the beautiful beaches of Thursday Island and surrounding islands.

This jewellery was made by Rosie Barkus and her husband Russell, Torres Strait Islands, Queensland, Australia in 2004

Necklace and bracelet set with jewellery box, pearl shell / seeds, Rosie and Russell Barkus, Torres Strait Islands, Queensland, Australia, 2004

Neclace and bracelet set within a black jewellery display case. The necklace features a large pearl shell at the front, woven with other locally found shells in black and white and red seeds. The bracelet is woven with the black and white shells and red seeds.

Made: Barkus, Russell; Torres Strait Islands, Queensland; 2004

Artist: Barkus, Rosie;

Please see parts for details.

2005/80/6

2004

190 mm

45 mm