Emro Designs: Indigenous Artists Bringing Traditional Stories to Early Learning

Emro Designs is an 100% Aboriginal owned & operated business helping to bring traditional stories to early learning and homes around the country.

Emro Designs is an 100% Aboriginal owned & operated business helping to bring traditional stories to early learning and homes around the country. Each of the designs are awash with rich colour and beautiful patterns. 

Emro Designs was founded in 2019 by proud Minjungbal/Bundjalung woman, Emma Rolls. The collection includes rugs, cushion covers, recycled outdoor mats and stunning picnic rugs. 

emro designs

Early Education Resources

Emma’s passion to start her own business came from seeing the under-representation of Indigenous owned business within the Early Education Resources sector, and from a passion to be able to share local Indigenous artists work and incorporate more authentic Indigenous resources into Early Education.

“It came about quite organically. I was having conversations with people in the early learning industry, going into day-care with my boys,” she said. 

“I recognised that there was a gap, and knew that within Early Learning, storytelling took place on the carpet, or rugs. I thought how amazing would it be to have these beautiful artworks as rugs that serve as an educational piece also, and help share our culture” 

Her hope is that these pieces serve as a talking point for those that purchase their items & help to shine a light on our rich culture & stories. When a product is purchased, Emma includes a laminated card which details information about the artist and tells the story of the artwork.  

Generations Rug

This beautiful & colourful “Generations” design is by Bundjalung artist Zoey Hart.

“This artwork depicts our Jarjums (Children) and the bright futures they have. This rug is perfect for creating comfortable and welcoming play spaces or reading areas.”

Perfect for play-based learning, and for children to engage, connect to the stories & in turn spark conversation!

‘Djurebil’ – ‘Sacred Place’

This stunning artwork is by Bundjalung artist Holly Sanders.

“This artwork acknowledges the traditional owners of this land, sea and sky. It pays respect to our Elders of the past and present for their strength, knowledge and leadership, and to our jarjum’s (children) who are our future Elders.

The patterns and meeting place symbols throughout represent gatherings, sandhills and Country, symbolising our ongoing connection to the land and ocean. We have thrived and lived sustainably with the land we now call Australia for more than 60 000 years. The warm natural colours represent the sand, ochre and colours of the Country. We are the ancient people of this land – we respect and listen to the land, our elders and the ancient spirits – our ancestors have walked this sacred country for millennia and continue to live on in the land, water and the sky. This connection and relationship to Country continues to remain strong today.”

Dancing on Country

This beautiful striking design titled Dancing on Country is by Kamara Morgan a proud Yorta-Yorta, Gunai-Kurnai and Dja Dja Wurrung Aboriginal Artist specialising in contemporary Aboriginal Art.

“This painting represents the men and the women telling and passing on their traditional stories through dancing. The lines represent the body paint worn in ceremony.”

Profit from each item sold goes directly back to the artists, to ensure a sustainable income for the artists and ensuring they can continue sharing their rich culture through their artwork.

For more information or to buy: 

emrodesigns.com.au

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