Known also as: Janet Golder
Date of Birth: 15 November 1973
Region: Utopia, NT
Language: Anmatyerre
Janet was born at Mulga Bore, an outstation of Utopia, into a large family of artists. She is the daughter of Sammy Pitjara and Margaret Golder and the granddaughter of Old Henry Pitjara, Angelinea Ngale and Polly Ngale, Emily and Kudditji Kngwarreye. She now lives in Alice Springs where she paints alongside renowned artist Jeannie Petyarre (Pitjara) but regularly travels back to her country. She is married to Ronnie Bird, son of Ada Bird, and they have four children.
The area around Utopia is renowned for its nurturing of extremely talented artists including Emily Kame Kngwarreye and Gloria Petyarre. Janet started painting in 1997 and her main focus is “Awelye” (ceremonial body paint). She has a strong interest in “Bush Medicine” based on the medicinal properties of particular plants found in Central Australia. She also has the cultural knowledge - and permission - to paint “Mountain Devil Lizard” and “Emu”. Janet loves to use plenty of colour in her works, which is a joy to see.