Goody Barrett was born on Ord Station located near the Argyle Mine, Western Australia in the Kimberley’s. She was named by the station owners of the day – The Barretts. She was asked whether she was a "goody" or a "baddy", replying that she was a "Goody", her bush name became Goody Barrett.
Goody spent time between Lizard Station and Ord Station, both located on her traditional land. Later she moved to the Warmun community at Turkey Creek.
Goody Barrett is one of the last of the original bush painters. She recalls her early days sitting and painting with the late Queenie McKenzie and also with Madigan Thomas with whom she still paints today. They would sit cross legged on the earth for hours, crushing ochres, mixing paint and working the canvas. As they worked, they chatted about local community gossip and admired the painting and different stories of the other canvases taking shape. Her stories depicted are country paintings, typically hills, creeks and bungle formations found throughout her native land. Very early, Goody took to developing her own style and adopting the new green colours mixed by Queenie and Madigan. She put the green on the canvas next to yellow to tell the story of country.
Goody’s works have been included in important national and international exhibitions.
All works copyright Original & Authentic Aboriginal Art
