Yudu, meaning "bush tucker", is more than just food from the land - it's knowledge, memory, and tradition passed down through generations. This painting is a vibrant celebration of Country, revealing the richness of native begetation that sustains both body and spirit.
The layered green tones represent the diverse flora of the region - from coastal scrub to desert greens, each pattern echoing a different plant, fruit, or root harvested with care and wisdom. The earth-toned dots flowing across the canvas trace the ancient songlines, paths walked by our ancestors as they journeyed across Country in search of seasonal foods. These journeys were not just practical, but deeply spiritual - neach footstep a quiet prayer, each hand-picked fruit a story kept alive.
Clusters of Concentric circles mark the gathering places - wherefamilies would sit beneath the shade, yarning as they shared the day's harvest. The creamy ochre shapes intertwined with swirling patterns speak of kinship, the nurturing role of women, and the intimate bond between mother and child as knowledge is shared by firelight.
The white startbursts and flowing lines represent water sources and fertile ground - sacred sites where life is renewed. The rivers of dot work and wave motifs show how land and water intertwine to provide abundance. Every line moves with purpose, telling us that nothing is taken without giving back, and nothing is eaten without gratitude.
"Yudu" reminds us of who we are - caretakers of the land, keepers of culture. It honours the act of gathering not only food, but stories, language, and love. It teaches us that through sharing, we grow stronger - and through Country, we remain whole.
This piece is apart of the 2025 NAIDOC Exhibition.
