Biography
I am a cultural artist – painter/graphic symbolist promoting Algonquin design and art, 25 years practicing. My art is mostly culturally related around Algonquin themes; land, animals, birch bark, anything pertaining to nature and the environment. I am exploring my culture through my artwork. I was influenced by my grandmother Isabelle Commando who was an Algonquin language speaker and knew local history. The family was surprised when she spoke Algonquin at the age of sixty-five. She had kelp it from us until then. I am so happy the times have changes when Algonquin can speak their own language.
I am one of the Algonquin artists who painted a paddle for the Pimisi station public art non-integrated art installation. I participated in the Pikwàkanagàn painters’ workshop in August 2016.
I developed an Art with Culture Program for community members of Algonquins of Pikwakanagan. Some of the youth developed their own art skills and careers from this program. Two of the youth won art awards later on, which helped them launch their art careers.
The Heritage Rock Circle 2009. Public art installation located at Barry’s Bay Railway Station. The circle reflected the diversity of cultures in the region. The symbolism of the circle allows each rock a distinct yet equal place.
Water Spirits 2009. An Expression of Faith. A juried art exhibition examining how artists express their faith through their art practice. South of 60 Arts Centre, November 21 to December 19, 2009.
In the summer of 2017 I exhibited my paintings at the Kabeshinan Minitin Pavilion on Victoria Island. This was collaboration between Pikwakanagan, National Capital Commission and Heritage Canada.
Public Art
I completed an “Algonquin Culture: land, earth, water and wind” series of artwork for the Interpretation for LeBreton Flats Project for Capital Experience, Department of Canadian Heritage. My artwork is an interpretation of a traditional teaching of living well or mino-pimàdiziwin; finding a harmony between the land, the water, the air and the people. If one of those four elements is neglected or favoured over the other, the whole suffers. This was unveiled in June 2017 in Ottawa, Ontario.
I illustrated four children’s books on daily life and careers for the James Bay Cree School Board. The books were written by Ernest Webb in 1999.
I completed the artwork for the Omàmiwininì Pimàdjwowin website: The Algonquin Way Cultural Centre. My grandmother named the Algonquin Way cultural centre in the Algonquin language and years later I completed the logo for the centre. For the website I developed line illustrations, cultural paintings and designs throughout the website.
Over the years I have been influenced by other Indigenous artists and their art. I have been inspired to look into my own Pikwakanagan culture. I have taken Algonquin language courses at the cultural centres. I have decided when I returned home to undertake my own journey through the cultural centres. I did a Seven Grandfather Teaching mural for the Eganville Public School, where all Algonquin students attend.
I completed illustrations for the Algonquin Dictionary and four colouring books. The books are published by The Algonquin Way Cultural Centre funded by Canadian Heritage.
Collections
Wigwams of Home, 2017, main lobby, Royal Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa.
Exhibitions and Shows
The Heritage Rock Circle installation, Public Art, Artist collaboration, South of 60 Arts Centre, The Railway Station, Barry’s Bay, Ontario
An Expression of Faith 2009 South of 60 Arts Centre, The Railway Station, Barry’s Bay, Ontario
Other Information
Madawaska Valley Studio Tours, collaboration between local arts and businesses. Madawaskastudiotour.com
Special Arts Program, High School of Commerce
Visual Arts Program (three years) St. Lawrence College, Kinston, Ontario
Multimedia Program, Image Works, Toronto
