Bessie Nakamarra Sims

Yarla Jukurrpa

Parnapardu Jukurrpa

Bessie paints her Dreamings which include Bush Carrot, Yam Dreaming and Flying Ant. These are from her father and grandfather's side. 'I like to teach kids my Dreaming. I want everyone to know my Dreaming from all over the world I know and they can now..' Bessie Sims is the wife of Paddy Japaljarri Sims, they have seven children and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Bessie was born in the bush and lived for many years before coming into contact with white people at Mt Doreen Station, west of Yuendumu. She now lives in South Camp in Yuendumu and is an active member of Yuendumu Night patrol which helps kepp Yuendumu a safe community. In her spare time she goes hunting for wardapi (goanna) and bush tucker such as yarla (bush potato) and yakajirri (bush tomato).

Bessie has participated in many exhibitions and projects with her work represented in important collections in Australia and overseas.