Edna Dale

Edna is a Ngarinyin woman and chairperson of Imintji Community 230km from Derby along the Gibb River Road in the North West Kimberley of Western Australia, where she lives with her husband Lance Bedford and their seven daughters. Edna is the daughter of famous Kimberley artist Jack Dale Mengenen (dec 1920-2013). Growing up she spent much of her time by her father’s side traveling their Country, watching him paint and tell stories.

Edna has her own distinct style as her elongated Wandjina figures and minimalist aesthetic are a clear departure from the imagery of her father.

Edna’s father also taught her Law, and showed her the many cave sites that are sacred to Ngarinyin people, especially around Imintji, on the Gibb River Road.