Artwork

Caged Ribbons

I made this piece as a Ribbon Skirt wrapped in barbed wire, to showcase that our ceremonies were once illegal to take pride in and it is something we as a society still need to unravel and heal from.

The Star

In tarot The Star represents hope and renewal. In my picture I have painted out a self portrait of one of my “thirst traps” with added butterflies and witchy elements to showcase the growth I have had with my own body and spirituality as a Queer Indigenous Femme.

Gizaagi’in “I love you” xoxo

This is a painting that is just meant to be a cute tribute to my community. I made the hearts out of gathered game my community has provided for me over time.

Untitled

Using trash bags to make a coffin, representing the landfills where victims of the MMIWG2S crisis are left to lay. This piece was created to showcase the unfortunate reality of the discardment of Indigenous women/girls/two-spirit peoples within Canada; leaving the families and communities of the victims forced to mourn using their imagination for burials.

Displacement.

In the forefront of the painting is a tipi and in the background is a cityscape. This tipi is to represent the ways of living before colonialism, as well as the current high numbers of Indigenous people forced to live on the streets due to gentrification.

The Voyageur

This piece depicts a Voyageur (a Birchbark Canoe) who has made their way through a water corridor, to be nestled beneath a Cedar tree canopy.

“Without Her [Water], visiting this remote land would not be an option. Waterways are crucial to travel, to move goods around, and to connect people. We must make it a priority to ensure Her health. ” – Maurice Séguin

Rolling Fog, Lake of Two Rivers

Along every highway running through this Anishinaabeg territory, the beauty of Mother Earth is in full display. Velvety hills, tall pines and gentle waterways are covered in a soft, rolling fog that entices all passers-by.

Pink Birch

Birch provides generously for the Anishinaabeg, from canoes to baskets, to art and ceremonial pieces. In this piece, Wiigwaas (Birch) gracefully stands over a fresh, glittering snowfall, forever reminding our nations of her abundance.

Miigiwewin Kwe

From delicate flowers, to small berries, to creatures on the land and in the water – AkiKwe is generous in her offerings. ‘Miigiwewin Kwe’ (Gifts from her) displays Mother Earth’s Gifts in a cosmic, colourful piece that honours all livings things.

Thunderbird and Seven Guiding Spirits

This piece is about Animikii (ThunderBird) who is a being that causes lightning as depicted in this painting. Prayers with Tobacco are offered to the Great Bird asking it to go easy on the Anishinaabe when the storm comes to cleanse the earth. This work also features Seven Guiding Spirits. The number Seven is very important in my teachings. Finally, the lightning strike reflection connects the sky and the water in this work. The Guiding Spirits also are connected to the lighting. Everything is connected. We are all connected.

Cabane à Sucre

I remember the smoke from the boiler billowing in the air on that cool spring day. As I approached the sugar shack, one could smell the sweet sap in the air, and the burning of the wet earthy wood. I was thrilled, and I ran home to paint the scene. I distinctly recall all those great smells coming back to life all around me as I worked the paint into the canvas.

I was taught that the Maple Tree is the leader of the trees – it’s always the first tree to wake up in the spring, offering early gifts of food and nourishment.

Goose

In the spring and fall, these beautiful birds migrate across Turtle Island. I am so sad when they leave, but so happy to await their return. Their formation takes advantage of wind resistance, and they exchange positions seamlessly to balance out the workload. When geese become mates, it’s for life. They protect each other and the greater family – the flock. I painted this piece for my spouse Dawn because she loves these birds so very much – and I love her.