Atipalku is the matriarch of a highly regarded family of Ernabella artists. She was born in Ernabella on the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands and first started working at the art centre over fifty years ago. In those days the artists hand-spun sheep fleece into wool and then dyed it to weave floor rugs and wall hangings. In the 1970’s Atipalku excelled in creating batik silk works, some of which are held in the National Gallery of Australia. Today Atipalku is an accomplished tjanpi (grass) weaver, punu (wood) artist and painter. Atipalku’s work across a variety of mediums has been shown in over 50 exhibitions nationally and internationally.
Atipalku’s husband Adrian Intjalki was an established punu artist and her son Jeffrey Lewis is well known for painting birds. Atipalku’s three daughters Michelle Lewis, Lynette Lewis and Langaliki Lewis are all highly sought after for their canvas and ceramic work. Atipalku’s granddaughter Jayana Andy is also an emerging artist in the ceramics studio.
