“In my pieces, I am exploring the art of Métis beading. Indigenous cultures are tied together by beading traditions that are often so similar it is hard to distinguish between them. Where story-telling is the verbal way of passing traditional knowledge, beading is a visual connection to the past. I am honouring that past through my art.”

 

I am a self-taught artist, born in Toronto in 1953, now residing in Crystal Beach, Ontario. Several years ago I found my birth mother and family and learned of some of my heritage. My maternal ancestry is Scottish, Northwestern European and Metis. I have been accepted into the Metis Nation by virtue of this ancestry. Since I had no knowledge of my past, I struggled to find a way to connect. Inspired by two incredible artists; Christi Belcourt and Brian Kon, I taught myself this unique way of painting.

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It gives me great pleasure to share the importance of Metis beadwork through my art.  Inspired by traditional patterns, each piece is unique.

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Traditionally created on a black background, each individual dot of acrylic paint is applied to the wood canvas using a tool called a stylus. The completed piece is colourful and has a dimensional quality as the paint dries as a raised "bead".

The finished work is then sprayed with a protective varnish.

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My pieces are now in local homes as well as in those more distant - Toronto, Guelph, Northern Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Massachusetts, Connecticut & Tennessee.

As well, 4 of my pieces have been sold through the Leslie Grove Art Gallery in Toronto.