Former Lightning junior player turned artist Rochelle Minberrignully Fejo-Tasker has designed Lightning’s Indigenous jersey

LIGHTNING has commissioned former junior player and local artist Rochelle Minberrignully Fejo-Tasker to design artwork for their jersey for Darwin Basketball’s inaugural Indigenous Round from November 9-14.

Rochelle with founding member of Lightning Donelle Dingo. Picture KATRINA BRIDGEFORD

LIGHTNING has commissioned former junior player and local artist Rochelle Minberrignully Fejo-Tasker to design artwork for their jersey for Darwin Basketball’s inaugural Indigenous Round from November 9-14.

Fejo-Tasker joined Lightning at the age of 11 as a way of staying in contact with her friends after finishing primary school.

From there she realised she had a talent for the sport, representing the Territory in the under-16s two years in a row and later being selected for the under-18s.

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But an injury would force her out of that trip, and from there she decided to leave the sport to pursue other interests such as her art, which she turned into a business called Fejo_Art.

“I remember my first coaches at Lightning, they pushed me to do my best in and outside of basketball,” Fejo-Tasker said.

“A few years later they moved away, but we stayed in contact, and when I went away for nationals in Tamworth they came down to watch us play, which gave us the home-away-from-home feeling.

“I had many coaches during my time with Lightning, and all were people I looked up to and respected, always giving advice. They could be fun but hard on you also, pushing us to the limit. I decided to leave following injury, but stayed in contact with people over the years.

“I miss the Lightning family, and even though I haven’t played in years, whenever I’m down at the DBA I feel as if I never left.”

In preparation for the inaugural Darwin basketball indigenous round Lightning Basketball have asked a former junior Rochelle Minberrignully Fejo-Tasker to design their jersey. Picture KATRINA BRIDGEFORD

And though she won’t be returning to the court anytime soon, Fejo-Tasker’s artwork will, as the design for Lightning’s Indigenous Round outfit.

The Lightning women have enjoyed success in recent years, winning the past two league titles, including the 2019 championship.

Fejo-Tasker’s artwork depicts five players in the centre surrounded by hand prints that represent attributes such as teamwork, support and respect.

Fittingly, there are also lightning strikes and storm clouds for the team, and art to represent togetherness.

“I have always been excited for the Balnba (wet season) and the Dawirrba (lightning/thunder),” Fejo-Tasker said.

“The way the light travels across the sky lighting everything up for a split second, and how you can feel the vibration of the thunder through your body has inspired me to do this artwork.

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“I have only started painting again in the past couple of years, and I have since discovered a stronger connection to my ancestors and culture.

“I turned my hobby into a business and have done pieces for Catholic Care, sporting equipment for the No More campaign, a rugby ball for Parramatta Eels and so much more.”