Tree of Life Workshop with Toni Roe

robertsonk3
Apr 30
2 min read

The Gnulli Festival event is proud to welcome Carnarvon-born artist and cultural knowledge holder Toni Roe within the Saturday 23 May, Gnulli Street Festival program, where she will be delivering a hands-on creative workshop titled Tree of Life.

Born and raised in Carnarvon, Toni’s creative journey has been deeply shaped by her mother, Elaine, who first encouraged her to explore weaving and traditional craft practices. This early influence sparked a lifelong connection to fibre arts and cultural making, eventually leading Toni to join the Jilinbirri Weavers. Today, she continues to work across a diverse range of mediums, blending traditional knowledge with contemporary creative expression.

🌱 About the Workshop

Toni will guide participants through her Tree of Life workshop, an immersive creative experience.

Using a metal ring, wire, and glass beads, participants will create their own Tree of Life symbol - an artwork reflecting personal stories, relationships, and connection to Country, community, and self.

The Tree of Life is a powerful spiritual symbol found across many cultures. It represents interconnectedness, growth, strength, stability, and renewal. Its roots ground us to Country, while its branches reaching upward reflect aspiration, learning, and spiritual growth. As a universal symbol, it speaks to harmony, wisdom, and the connection between earth, sky, and spirit.

🐝 Stories, Culture & Country

Alongside her fibre and beadwork practice, Toni is also widely known in the region for her deep cultural knowledge and storytelling. Often referred to locally as the “Bee Lady of Carnarvon,” she shares important knowledge about native bees in the Gascoyne region.

Through her stories, participants will learn about bee life cycles, their ecological importance, and their role within local Aboriginal culture. Toni’s teachings also highlight the importance of caring for and protecting these unique and often overlooked species that sustain local ecosystems.

Her Elders’ knowledge, which she carries forward with deep respect, emphasises responsibility to look after Country and all living beings within it.