Life Blood by Aunty Susan Grant and Natalie Valiente

Life Blood is an artwork based on gum leaves, our traditional and spiritual uses of plants, the science of the Herbarium and how we all have connections to the land.
When you look at gum leaves under a microscope, it’s like viewing the land from far above: The veins resemble pathways and rivers, and the oil spots look like meeting places and communities.
The DNA strands are the life-blood of our First Nations peoples and their Connection to Country. The strands also represent the scientific research and conservation projects at the National Herbarium of New South Wales. This work is dedicated to saving endangered native plants and animals, including the nearby Cumberland Plain Woodland.
Life Blood artists:
Aunty Susan Grant is a proud descendent of the Wiradjuri and
Yorta Yorta people, living and working on Dharug and Dharawal country.
Natalie Valiente is a proud descendent of the Wiradjuri people,
working and living on Dharawal country.
Digital artwork and project documentation by Codie Leed Evans.
The Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan and the Artists would like to express gratitude for the guidance and support given by Dharawal Elders and Community Leaders:
Aunty Glenda Chalker
Uncle Ivan Wellington
Aunty Robyn Straub
We would like to thank First Nations Communities on Dharawal Country, and the students and teachers of Elderslie High School, Blairmount Public School, Gledswood Hills Public School, Sarah Redfern High School, Harrington Park Public School, Claymore Public School and Camden High School.
Thank you to our project partners: Tharawal Local Aboriginal Land Council, Campbelltown City Council, Campbelltown Arts Centre and Camden Council.
Proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with the Foundation and Friends of the Botanic Gardens.