The earliest 'straight line paintings' produced by Emily Kngwarreye at Delmore Downs were shown by the Chapman Gallery, Canberra, in August 1994. These steamed from the workshops in prints on silk screen, linocut and lithograph that Emily and others took part in that was ran by Theo Tremblay and Studio One in January 1994. The linocut, the precursor of later 'Line' paintings, was painted onto the lino with Studio One later cutting away around the lines and executing the print.

In the Yam Dreaming Emily is paying homage to the spirit of the yam plant so that it regenerates year after year to feed the people. The Yam plant is one of the most important types of Bush Tucker to be found. The root system of this plant is a complex mass of roots that stretches a long way underground. Ceremony reinforces through narrative, the significance of this knowledge. As well, it teaches basic social codes and obligations. Through her paintings, Emily serves to reinforce her knowledge among those who are to carry on after her.

Provenance: Delmore Gallery, N.T; Coo-ee Aboriginal Art Gallery, NSW Exhibited: Unearth, Coo-ee Aboriginal Art Gallery, December 2008