‘Emu Feather Dreaming (Dinewan)’
Renae Lamb

‘Emu Feather Dreaming' or ‘Dinewan’ in my Wiradjuri language, is a visual journey that pays deep respect to my ancestral connections, culture, and Country. This artwork speaks to the spiritual and cultural significance of the emu in Wiradjuri Dreaming and its connection to our identity, law, and land.

The emu, a powerful totem and messenger, is more than just a bird—it represents movement, guidance, and the rhythm of the land. Its feathers carry the stories of generations, symbolizing protection, kinship, and the intricate weaving of past and present. Through Dinewan, I explore these sacred meanings, using pattern, repetition, and earthy tones to reflect the natural textures of Country—dust, stone, bark, and sky.

Each brushstroke carries the spirit of the old people, echoing stories passed down through oral tradition. The circular forms and flowing lines symbolize Dreaming pathways, family lineages, and the cycle of life. The emu’s track becomes a visual metaphor—marking the journey, the search for knowledge, and the continuation of culture.

This work is not just an image—it is a conversation between memory and landscape, between ancestors and future generations. "Emu Feather Dreaming" is a tribute to Wiradjuri survival, storytelling, and the beauty of our sacred connection to Country. It invites the viewer to walk gently, listen deeply, and feel the heartbeat of the land.