Kim Wandin is a Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung woman living in Healesville in the Yarra Valley. Her traditional name is Wandoon’ which means ‘spirits of the water’. Wandin is a basket and eel trap maker collecting reeds and other fibre plants on Country. The art of using reeds to make eel traps and baskets is a tradition handed down to Wandin by her Nana Ollie who was taught by Granny Jemima at Coranderrk Aboriginal Station.

Wandin plays an important role in conserving the traditions, lores, language and stories of her Ancestors. She is a Cultural Consultant and conducts Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremonies. She is also an educator working with children and adults, sharing culture and history from the oldest living culture in the world, as well as providing cultural immersion ‘Mirrim Ngagu’ (deep listening) for corporate groups out on Country. Wandin makes traditional baskets, wood burning and other arts-based work in the authentic style of her Ancestors.

The body of work (in WILAM BIIK) draws on the weaving practices that have been handed down to me through the generations. Through the inclusion of works by my Ancestors and my son, I have represented my family, my Country and what Wilam Biik means to me.

Through the works I have woven intergenerational stories of strength
and resilience both in the making and in the collection of materials;
gathering reeds, ochre, and water from Coranderrk Creek and
incorporating rescued Mountain Ash. All this is Country wrapping
around, nurturing and holding family.

– Artist Statement