Hazel Munro – Spinifex Paper

Aunty Hazel is a respected Kalkadoon Elder from Mount Isa, known for her unique and powerful artworks crafted from Spinifex and other wild grasses. These natural materials are transformed into striking visual pieces, coloured with the vibrant ochres found throughout Kalkadoon Country.

The process begins with the careful collection of Spinifex and native grasses from the Mount Isa region. Back at her home, Aunty Hazel prepares the materials by boiling them until they reach the right consistency. Once softened, the grass is processed into fine pulp using techniques she has developed specifically to handle the toughness of Spinifex.

The pulp is then washed and infused with natural ochres. These earth-derived pigments produce a rich palette, ranging from deep chocolate browns and tobacco reds to warm oranges, blood reds, and soft creams and yellows. With patience and care, Aunty Hazel shapes and pats the coloured pulp into form, bringing her artistic vision to life.

Depending on the weather and the thickness of the work, the pulp takes between two to four days to dry completely. Only then is the artwork ready to be shared and sold—each piece a testament to culture, tradition, and connection to Country.