Aboriginal art weaves often vibrant colours and storytelling, creating pathways to mesmerising worlds and reminding us that we are all the “dreamers dreaming” in the eternal web of creation, so have no fear and move along.

Jackie Wirramanda, *Walking on Country*, acrylic on canvas

Although painting styles and techniques vary regionally, the most common form is the dot painting. The often vibrant colours hark back to the original natural ochres of yellow and red.

Most of the artworks depict Dreamtime stories, featuring animals and landscapes all of which have a deeper meaning.

Dreaming is the Aboriginal Creation theory, roughly translating as eternity, or perpetual creation.

Dreaming Songlines are another popular subject matter. Since songlines are directions memorised in the form of a song, dreaming songlines are a bit like a map forged by creator spirits.

The Tingari Cycle (below) in Australian Aboriginal mythology embodies a vast network of Dreaming songlines that traverse the Western dessert region of Australia.

George Ward Tjungurrayi, *Tingari Cycle*, acrylic on linen

The totem significance of Australian animals figures prominently in many of the Dreamtime stories. For example, the kangaroo (below) is symbolic of confidently moving forward, sweeping nagging insecurities and fears aside.

On the other hand, the Goanna (cover image), a species of lizard native to Australia, symbolises the Goanna Ancestors that are part of the Aboriginal Creation mythology of the desert landscape.

Mirree, *Movement of the Red Kangaroo*, giclee print

Happy exploring!

The Dreamer Dreaming