Joanne Cassady is a self-taught artist and is a mother of five sons and one daughter, as well as a doting grandmother.

Joanne comes from the Wiradjuri nation located central west NSW & is also a descendant of the Yorta Yorta Nation, Victoria. Joanne’s Wiradjuri totem is the goanna, which leaves inspiration for her to recreate throughout her artwork. Joanne began painting at 20 years of age, being introduced to acrylics by her cousin Leeanne Hunter.

Joanne’s background in art stems from running art stalls at markets & conferences all over Australia as well as holding various exhibition’s in Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales including Taronga Park Zoo Sydney for Naiodc 2019. Joanne has also created commissioned work for REM American band, BHP Billiton and is currently working on commissioned artwork for Icare Insurance New South Wales. Joanne won the 2017 National Naidoc Poster Competition – theme: “Our Languages Matter”. Joanne has experience in working in the tourism and hospitality industry working with the Nywaigi people, on her husband’s traditional country Mungalla Station a multi award winning Indigenous tourism business.

Joanne has experience in teaching art to many students alike and loves sharing her knowledge of her culture. Joanne is currently studying a Bachelor of Arts in Creative and Visual Arts at Deakin University, Geelong.

The Artwork: Journey

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The original painting represents journey. The symbols represent journey or travel with resting space in-between travelling. It also goes in many directions representing to Journey all over. When we do travel in life and or in our mind we must always remember to rest as well. 

More of Joanne's art can be found on her Balgarra Designs Australian Aboriginal Art page.