When Specsavers approached Martumili Artists to be part of their Limited-Edition Frames Campaign, we immediately suggested artist Helen Dale Samson, knowing how much she loves sunglasses and fashion, and sure her vibrant works would look sensational printed on frames.

Now in its 8th year, the annual Limited-Edition Frames Campaign by Specsavers aims to promote the work of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander artists while raising funds for The Fred Hollows Foundation. With First Nations people three times more likely to go blind from treatable causes than other Australians, and Helen Dale herself having suffered partial blindness due to a cataract in one eye, our involvement with this initiative has been especially meaningful.

For every pair of limited-edition frames featuring Dale’s artwork sold, $25 will support The Fred Hollows Foundation’s work in Australia. This includes sight restoration, improving access to eye health care and empowering a team of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals to provide culturally appropriate care. The best part about being involved with the project? With the help of The Foundation’s program partner, Lions Outback Vision, Helen was able to receive sight-restoring cataract surgery. Before the operation, Dale had vision only in one eye. Post surgery, Dale jubilantly exclaimed “Now I can see everything, all the colours. Good one!”

Dale’s work, ‘Puntawarri’, was chosen for printing on three frame styles as part of the campaign. Puntawarri holds significant cultural importance and is situated on the middle stretches of the Canning Stock Route and east of the Jigalong Mission (now Jigalong Aboriginal community) in Western Australia. The site forms part of Dale’s ngurra (home Country, camp), and as a young woman she spent much time with her extended family camping and hunting in the area. Dale has portrayed the region with her trademark style, a fusion of exquisite patterns and textured motifs offering multiple perspectives of Martu Country. Notably showcased in the frame prints are the rich flora of Martu Country, including walyji (Acacia tree) and nyalka (native tree with yellow flowers), where jurtipirri (stingless bee sugar bags) are harvested.