Dhagaay Giinbal

This yellowbelly is in the traditional Gamilaraay carved tree style of diamonds / rhombus; this has been used to represent the dhagaay scales. The dhagaay design comes from my experience of fishing for them along the Gwydir, Macintyre, Mehi and Severn Rivers. This artwork is also inspired from the art of Gamilaraay Country that I have experienced while conducting Aboriginal cultural sites work.

Abstract motif painting of Dhagaay Giinbal (yellowbelly scales) as part of my new ochre series of artworks. This artwork incorporates hand ground and processed ochre collected from Gamilaraay Country. Atelier Interactive acrylic, Atelier heavy gel, Atelier pouring medium, Atelier clear painting medium as the various binders and pigments from ochres, oxides, earths, clays.

380gsm 100% cotton deep edge stretched canvas. Ready to hang. The back of the artwork is titled, dated, signed and has a unique 5 digit artwork ID number to identify it. The artwork is secured by 49 strand grade316 stainless steel wire rope, 316grade stainless steel wire rope grips and screw eyes.

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Mawu-gi [ Brent Emerson ]
Soft Pastel Artist, Printmaker , Acrylic Painter & Photographer

My creative work comes directly from what I observe in the world around me, especially when I am on country for cultural activities, sites work, bushwalking and fishing. I am greatly influenced by my family and community, and my Gamilaraay and Australian heritage, connection to Country and language. The connection between language and my creations is shown through my convention of using Gamilaraay titles for my works. This both educates others, expands my vocabulary and connects me to history (past, present and future).

I started creating 3 years ago following a recommendation from my psychologist, who was treating me for anxiety and depression, resulting from workplace bullying. This is something that I share with others so that they also feel that they can get help, and perhaps in the process find something they love doing. Previous to this I had never had the opportunity to create and was unaware that this was something that I had inside of me. When I am creating, I don’t think about yesterday or worry about tomorrow, I am simply in the moment. Art allows me to communicate my view and interpretation of the world. Together with my family, it gives me purpose.

I started as a printmaker (linoleum prints and serigraphs) after completing a Cert III Aboriginal cultural arts at Moree TAFE. Following this, I expanded my practice to using standard acrylic, and then impasto gel and spray acrylic. I especially love collecting, processing and using local ochres and natural pigments with acrylic as the binder.

Later, I took up the challenge of learning the new medium of soft pastels in 2018. With the help of a wonderful local tutor, Helena South, at weekly classes at the Inverell Art Gallery, I think I have found a medium that naturally suits me. After just 1 year of using soft pastels I was invited by Unison Colour to become an Associate Artist of Unison Colour and promote the wonderful medium of soft pastels. Soft pastels are an often misunderstood and underappreciated creative medium. I love applying pigment directly to a surface, it reminds me of all the work of my people that I see when I am out on Gamilaraay lands. It links me to the past, inspires me in the present and allows me share stories with others that will survive into the future through my art.