Jane learnt to make string, collect natural dyes and weave dilly bags whilst teaching on an Aboriginal community in the Northern Territory in the 1980’s. She feels very privileged to have been taught these skills by the women of Belyuen.
The natural fibre used comes from the agave plant. The dried fibres are rolled by hand on the thigh to produce a very strong piece of fine 2 ply string. The continuous piece of string produced is then used to weave dilly bags.
Jane’ s earlier pieces were inspired by her interest and knowledge of string making. A lot of her earlier pieces were strung on hand spun string. Jane still collects agave and spins string to use in her work.