WACD08/24 – Peter Thomas

– 57 x 76 cm

Ochre and Acrylic on 638GSM paper

Spear Thrower is a powerful reflection of both cultural tradition and survival. Combining acrylic with natural ochre pigments sourced from Country, this artwork pays homage to the woomera—a tool of ingenuity used by our ancestors to extend the reach and force of the spear.

The woomera is more than just a hunting instrument; it symbolizes adaptation, skill, and resilience, essential qualities that have carried our people through generations. In this work, the spear thrower emerges as a bridge between past and present, embodying the deep connection between tool, land, and survival.

The rich ochre tones ground the artwork in Country, while the dynamic strokes of acrylic add movement, capturing the strength and precision required to wield the woomera. This blending of materials mirrors the way tradition and modernity coexist in our lives today.

Through Spear Thrower, I honour the wisdom of our ancestors and celebrate their resourcefulness—a reminder of how cultural knowledge continues to guide and empower us in a changing world.