A Bundjalung woman born on Dunghutti Country, Gai Southwell is a talented and experienced fibre artist based in Kempsey on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales.
Gai creates a range of unique, individual and beautiful woven artworks including baskets, dance objects and jewellery.
She loves to travel and spend time on Country where she collects natural bush materials including fibres, wood and feathers to use in her creations.
Since 2019, Gai has run her own art business, Manhuti WalkAbout Jewellery & Weaving, through which she sells her fibre art and jewellery and runs weaving workshops.
Gai has attended local markets and community festivals and events and also sells her artwork and jewellery online.
Manhuti is a Dunghutti word which means to ‘travel along’ or, as many Aboriginal people refer to it, to go ‘Walkabout’.
Gai is also a qualified counsellor and incorporated weaving and other art mediums as part of the therapy treatments she offers.
Gai is also a designer and manufacturer leather clothing and accessories including rodeo protection vests.
