The Story Behind the Painting: Long ago, in a time of wonder and change, there was an emu named Narlu. Narlu was known for his adventurous spirit and love of exploring.

One day, while wandering through the bush, he stumbled upon a strange, colourful path. Intrigued, he followed it, feeling the energy of the land beneath his feet.

As he walked, the path seemed to come alive—swirling with colours and patterns that danced around him. Each step Narlu took added a new pattern, as if the land was sharing its secrets with him.

Eventually, he arrived at a gathering of animals, who were amazed by the vibrant patterns trailing behind him. They realised that Narlu’s journey was creating a map of stories and connections across the land.

Inspired, the animals began adding their own stories to the path. Together, they created a tapestry of shared memory—a living connection for future generations.

This version of The Journey of Narlu was reimagined by Keira Graham to honour her father Ben, Director of the Clontarf Academy at Muswellbrook High School. Unlike her earlier Narlu pieces, this one was created with new intention and colours—drawing from the school’s palette of navy, yellow, and light blue. The artwork now features on the students’ sports uniforms, symbolising journey, growth, and the strength that comes from walking forward—together.

This story was created as a personal reflection and is not a traditional Dreaming. It represents Keira’s connection to the emu and her journey as a young artist exploring story and meaning through her work.