Phyllis Stewart

The second oldest of seven children, Phyllis Stewart was born on the south coast of New South Wales. Her father was a fisherman from La Perouse and her mother was from Armidale. After marrying in the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community they later lived around the Shoalhaven and other Aboriginal Communities in the area. Having always been interested in the arts and crafts Phyllis completed the Aboriginal arts and Cultural practices Cert. I course and later the Diploma and Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts. In 2004 she was awarded the TAFE NSW prize for academic excellence and the Illawarra Institute Indigenous student of the year award. Majoring in the disciplines of weaving, both traditional and contemporary, she also works in the medium of shell, drawing and painting.