In 2008 Lizzie began panting ‘Bush Orange Dreaming’ which is depicted by many lines of fine dots painted in a linear design representing the branches of the Bush Orange plant and the country that sustains this important source of bush tucker.
The Bush Orange Lizzie paints is a particular fruit that grows in Atnwengerrp. Once very abundant but now scarce due to over grazing, this species was a stable source of bush tucker for Aboriginals. The fruit grows on a thin long stalk and is larger than a passionfruit. It is green when unripe turning yellow in maturity. It is soft inside and is often compared to the flavour of custard apple. The fruit is consumed raw with the tough outer skin discarded or laid out to dry to consumed during months when bush tucker is scarce.
Both styles are meticulously performed and demonstrate Lizzie’s great skill as an artist, as well as her love for her country. The physical creation of the Dreamings are an important part of the bush tucker ceremonies conducted by Utopia women. Artworks such as ‘Bush Orange’ & ‘Women’s Ceremony’ ensures the continuation of an ancient and rich cultural heritage while acknowledging the close bond still retained by the artist to her country.
