Pink Emu

In this stunning new series, Gomeroi artist Debbie Wood weaves together two powerful art forms—traditional raffia weaving and contemporary painting—to create works that transcend both medium and meaning. Each piece stands as a celebration of culture, connection, and storytelling, layered with texture, symbolism, and spirit. These new creations, debuting at the Sydney Affordable Art Fair, reveal Debbie’s continued evolution as both a weaver and painter, honouring her heritage while pushing the boundaries of visual expression.

Richly textured and meticulously detailed, the works merge tactile, handwoven raffia forms with intricate painted surfaces and natural emu feathers. The circular woven motifs—central to much of Debbie’s practice—speak to cycles of life, the strength of community, and the interconnectedness of all living things. Radiating outward in organic patterns, the feathers bring movement and softness, echoing the rhythm of Country and the spirit of the emu—resilient, grounded, and strong.

Set against softly layered painted backgrounds—some in the gentle warmth of ochres, others in playful, unexpected hues like pink—these works balance tradition and modernity. The compositions are alive with symbolism: gatherings, pathways, and the energy of land and sky intertwine. Debbie’s use of dot work, both delicate and deliberate, adds a rhythmic pulse that feels deeply connected to songlines and ancestral stories.

Every element in these pieces is intentional. The weaving grounds the work in cultural practice, while the painted elements extend that story into the contemporary moment. Together, they create a bridge between ancient knowledge and present-day artistry—artworks that speak of identity, kinship, and belonging. Debbie’s pieces invite both quiet reflection and joyful admiration, making them captivating focal points for any collection.

Framing and Details
Each piece is an original artwork created by Gomeroi artist Debbie Wood, combining raffia weaving, painting, and natural emu feathers. The artworks are float-framed in natural timber and ready to hang. All materials are ethically and sustainably sourced, and each work is signed by the artist. Framing and delivery can be arranged at the Sydney Affordable Art Fair.