Indigenous Artist

Artist Statement
a.
I am a Nipissing First Nation born artist. I started life learning my cultures teachings, approaches and ceremonies through visual healing art forms. Painting, dancing, leatherwork and story telling were taught through traditional Ojibway and Odawa ways. My mentors encouraged me to be creative and to not let anything go to waste with what I share in art.
As a traditional Anishnawbe first nations graffiti artist, my work has matured from quick pieces into large street art projects and canvas work. Using my teachings and different methods I focus on unique painting styles and techniques to create smooth transitions of colour, blending abstract form with realism and expressionism.
I take interactions of my daily life, the city I live in and my Anishnawbe culture. I use it as a challenge for me to try out new styles and incorporate new subject matter. My love of nature and animals is prominent through my work because of its deep meaning and connection to life. I aspire for my artistic evolution to form a distinct look and feeling.
I call my style, Making the woodlands dance. Norval Morrisseau best describes how I approach my painting, he says as “If you can imagine an x-ray photo of spirit”. My goal
is to portray the teachings of my ancestors, sacred geometry and shapes in all my art forms.
My art has allowed me to work closely with art directors, city officials and corporate clients to make their visions come to life. I enjoy working with people and have collaborated with many artists on projects of all scales from graphic books to videos to murals around the world. I love travelling and seeing art. Most of all, I love to paint and have people enjoy my work.
b.
I’m always inspired by new opportunities to share my art. I am grateful to have the ability to transform neighborhoods, buildings and interior and turn them into popular destinations for people to visit, admire and enjoy. Working on murals allows me to engage in the community, bring people together and inspire others.
c.
Over the years, I have worked with community led designs which allow me to bring the community’s vision to life. I work closely with team members to ensure everyone has a
clear understanding and vision of the design required to meet the project expectations. In the past I have worked as the project lead and director on numerous projects and have extensive experience with coordinating artists of various skill sets and backgrounds. I am

flexible and easy to work with, good at problem solving, communicating, and can work in any situation.

INDIGENOUS ANCESTRY

First Nations

SELF-IDENTIFICATION

Anishnawbe