The central theme in Lily’s paintings are the important Wandjinas. They hide in the caves of the Kimberley region. Sometimes shown on the same canvas as the Bradshaw figure (igooyoorni), Wandjinas are often found in caves. If people go to a cave where there are Wandjinas, they must be careful not to disturb them. They must call out properly in the right language or the Wandjina might call up a ‘Big Cyclone’ to blow them away.

Wandjina – The Rain Maker, is a spirit who created the bush foods. Ulumarra (long neck trutle), Gulnu (roots), Ungurr (rainbow snake), Kanmargu (bush yam), Namarku (mangos), Manula (eggs) and Kareyak (goanna), are all bush tucker Lily paints and associates with Wandjina. Lily also depicts the traditional Aboriginal clothing made from Yaruna (kangaroo hair) and Unurru (hair for making belts). Lily tells the story of how she used to carry her babies and rock them to sleep in a Namerka (cradles made by the women).

Lily’s Wandjina paintings have international acclaim. Her works have been exhibited in many prominent collections. The National Museum of Australia acquired nine paintings by Lily Karadada.