Healing Mat
Maker
Cassie Leatham
Date
2019
Description
Cassie has created this Healing Mat from locally sourced native grasses, emu feathers and feather flowers. The piece contains 3000 bunches of emu feathers, which adorn the edge of the healing mat.
Cassie Leatham is from the Taungurung / Wurundjeri of the Kulin Nation. Cassie's biological grandfather George Patterson Fisher was a Taungurung man and Cassie's
biological grandmother Alice Biddy Stevens was a Wurundjeri and Gunai Kurnai woman. Cassie's father Ron was adopted at a young age to Georges sister Jean and
her husband Jack Leatham. Ron grew up knowing his biological parents as his Unc and Aunt, as did Cassie but knew there was a stronger connection. Cassie was born in Sale on Gunai Kurnai country and takes pride and place in the local community and has been a member at Ramahyuck in Sale, Gippsland and is also a member of her Taungurung country.
Cassie knew her connection to her country was strong and once her heritage was confirmed, a sad time when her biological grandfather passed. She was 15 years old.
Cassie started exploring her heritage and looking to elders to help her with her journey and belonging. Many assisted and she continued her journey embracing culture, teaching her knowledge and skills in art and traditional methods
used by her ancestors. Cassie has worked in many schools all over the country and continues to this day mentoring koorie youth in culture and identity.
Cassie facilitates workshops in a variety of media and specialises in native indigenous bush plants. It's nurturing culture and heritage and respecting the land, the elders,
the traditional ways that are most important to Cassie and most importantly nurturing the aboriginal youth who will one day become elders and become the teachers for
generations to come. Cassie resides at Boisdale in Gippsland.
Copyright for both the artwork and text remains with Baluk Arts and the artist.
Permission should be obtained to use information and images of the artwork and the artist.
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Object detail
Permission should be obtained to use information and images of the artwork and the artist.
Copyright for both the artwork and text remains with Baluk Arts and the artist.
Permission should be obtained to use information and images of the artwork and the artist.
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