Elaine was born in Bairnsdale and is the daughter of Edith Terrick (O’Rourke) and John Terrick. Elaine has a connection to the Wurundjeri people through her father and to the Bidawal people on her mother’s side.
As a child, Elaine recalls gathering basket grass with her mother and Aunty Pat (Harrison). Hearing stories from the old days, Elaine learnt traditional weaving and the importance of patience. She also learnt how to incorporate rare red reeds into unique baskets designs. The resulting distinctive pattern, which will never fade, enables the basket to be identified as being a Terrick design from East Gippsland due to the method and grasses used.
Her first cousin (and namesake) Elaine Mullett learnt the specialised skill of attaching handles, which Elaine has mastered and says, is an important part of the process.
Like her mother and grandmother before her, Elaine feels compelled to pass her cultural knowledge and skills in traditional basket weaving onto future generations.
Elaine has taught workshops in basketry locally and through out the state. She has travelled overseas, receiving a standing ovation after a presentation in Pallay. She has exhibited extensively in Melbourne, Sydney, New Zealand and Fiji. Elaine won a Rural Indigenous Artist Award in 2007 from Regional Arts Victoria for sharing basket making and culture.
- Writers:
- East Gippsland Aboriginal Arts Corporation
- Date written:
- 2008
- Last updated:
- 2009
