Who is Cassie Leatham?
I am a Taungurung artist, master weaver, sculpture, cultural educator and bushtukka woman, dancer and story teller.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I honestly don’t think I would do anything differently from what I do now as I am passionate and love what I do, and love educating people about my culture and I love creating.
Who inspires you and why?
My family inspires me for their support, love and encouragement. I continue to walk the journey of my ancestors. My Husband who gives me strength and inspires me to be my best and tells me everyday that he loves me and what I do. He is proud of my achievements and says to never give up and continue to be humble for the opportunities I am blessed with.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I would want to educate more people about global issues, sustainable living and care more for the environment. Care more for country, care more for one another and that there could be more harmony and acceptance in communities – and reconciliation with peoples of all colour and background.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Home is my favourite destination for a break as I’m always travelling around country. Home for me is where I find my own creative peace and sanctuary with my family. I have bush land and coastal land, so I go to reflect and forage and cook up, share knowledge and pass down my skills to my young ones.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I would take friends for a walk around my property. I would go to the areas I grew up in – the significant sites and stories. The places I walked when young – the beautiful rock pools with fresh shrimp swimming and the caves I explored.
What are you currently reading?
I actually do not read books. Being dyslexic, I prefer to create with my hands or watch documentaries on the planet.
What are you currently listening to?
I listen to nature, I hardly ever listen to any music or radio, I prefer listening to the sounds of the environment around me.
Happiness is?
Riding my bike, foraging, being with family and creating.
What does the future hold for you?
I think whatever the future holds for me, I will be just blessed with whatever comes my way on my journey. I would like to be healthy and live a full life so I can pass down my ancestors knowledge to the future generations and be a good role model for them.
Cassie is a finalist in the Telstra National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (NATSIAA) and exhibition – which runs 8 August 2020 – 31 January 2021 at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) in Darwin. For more information, visit: www.magnt.net.au For more information about Cassie, visit: www.wildblakarts.com.au details.
Image: Cassie Leatham – photo by KC Photography