Betty Muffler

Iwantja (Indulkana), SA

Betty Muffler was born in country near Watarru on the Emu country side (Yilaku) and grew up in the bush with her mother, father and brother. Betty is an artist belonging to the Pitjantjara language and cultural group and now lives in Indulkana community.

Betty started painting for Iwantja Art Centre and still works on large scale canvases that are exhibited nationally and internationally, as well as making stunning and innovative baskets for Tjanpi. In 2017 Betty's painting 'Ngangkari Ngura (Healing Country) won the Emerging Artist Award at the Telstra NATSIAA Awards, and in 2021 her work was on the cover of Vogue Australia. Betty's baskets emulate the painterly look of a canvas, with intuitive colour choices, disappearing lines, movement and strength.  Betty weaves with tiny stitches, slowly building her forms over long periods of time.

Betty is a highly respected Ngangkari (traditional healer) and has worked in hospitals in Adelaide, Coober Pedy, Whyalla and Alice Springs.

Tjanpi Desert Weavers (Tjanpi meaning ‘wild grass’) is an award-winning, Indigenous governed and directed social enterprise of the Ngaanyatjarra, Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara Women’s Council (NPYWC).  Tjanpi empowers over 400 women across a 350 000 square km area of the tri-state region of NT, SA and WA to earn an income and remain in their communities on Country.