'Bush Medicine Dreaming' or 'Leaves' Is the story of this painting. It is one of the most popular and most frequently painted images in the history of Australian Aboriginal Art. Those paintings depict a rhythmic image of bush medicine leaves that have fallen to the ground in season and formed swirling patterns. The leaf is from a desert Fushia that grew in Gloria's country and for many generations her clan has relied on this shrub to form the basis of a bush medicine that is effective for medical problems.

Gloria Petyarre's journey into the world of art began with her deep-rooted connection to her ancestral country, Anungara. From a young age, she was immersed in the traditional practices of her people, including storytelling, ceremonial body painting, and the oral transmission of knowledge. These elements were not merely cultural expressions but vital threads that wove together the fabric of her community's identity. Gloria's early exposure to these traditions instilled within her a profound appreciation for the symbolism and interconnectedness of the natural world, laying the foundation for her later artistic endeavors.

Her immersion in these traditions began to influence her artistic vision, driving her to transform the ceremonial and cultural motifs of her heritage into vibrant visual expressions. By translating oral histories and ancestral symbols into her work, Gloria carved a unique space in the art world, where the sacred and the contemporary harmoniously coexist. Her artistic foundation grew stronger with each piece, as she delved deeper into the narratives and patterns that defined her connection to the land and its stories.

Her works soon gained recognition for their unique ability to intertwine the ancestral and the contemporary. Through these paintings, Gloria captured the vibrant pulse of her cultural heritage in a way that resonated universally, transcending geographic and cultural boundaries. The intricate patterns and symbolic motifs in her art became a bridge between the ancient wisdom of her people and the global art community. Her commitment to exploring and representing the narratives of her land and its stories found expression in a style that was both deeply rooted and refreshingly experimental.