Joy Jones’ inspiration for her paintings is derived from her knowledge of Awely or women’s business. Awely describes everything associated with women’s ceremonies or rituals including the apinbted designs adorning women’s bodies.

Preparing for women’s ceremonies women paint designs on their bodies using a variety of coloured natural ochres. The designs vary from ceremony to ceremony depending on the subject and the time of year.  The designs also vary from person to person depending on the seniority of each woman. 

Women’s ceremonies are focal points in the life of the community and are integral to the happiness and well being of the community. The ceremonies are led by the most senior women of the clan who lead the singing and dancing.   At these ceremonies the younger women are taught the tribal dreamings or rules of life that are sacred to their clan.