BIOGRAPHY

Josephine Watjari Mick was born in 1955 to revered artist Kuntjiriya Mick, at a site near Pukatja (Ernabella). She grew up mostly on the eastern APY Lands and has strong family ties in this area. When she was a young girl, Josephine had a vivid dream in which she saw a bright tongue of fire. In the dream, she walked towards the fire and thought she had burnt her hands, but when she woke up, she realised her hands were hot. Shortly after, Josephine started working as a Ngangkari (traditional healer). She believes that her dream had given her the power to do so. She has mostly focused her healing work on women and children.

During the homelands movement of the 1970s, Josephine moved to Pipalyatjara. As well as being a Ngangkari, Josephine is very involved in cultural business. She has also been an active member of Ninuku Arts and has held the role of director several times. She now resides in Adelaide with her daughter Sally Scales and paints at APY Studio Adelaide.