Born and raised by two very artistic parents on the west coast, I’ve watched and participated in many different forms of art. From a young age I’ve always had a fascination with art, whether it be drawing, painting, or crochet. Along the way, I was presented with many opportunities that have helped shape me as a person and artist. In 2015, I was presented with the opportunity to participate in one of Mark Hobson’s painting workshops and to woodblock print with Dan Law at the Carving on the Edge Festival. I was also invited by Marika Swan to assist with the Nuu-chah-nulth Living Archive, a project of Carving on the Edge, to explore the depths of the Royal BC Museum in Victoria in what I would call ‘inspirational field work’. I have taken a Graphic Recording workshop and have dove head first into this method of arts-based community facilitation. I love the practice because it reminds me of how our people would have recorded things in the past. For instance a totem pole tells a story or a legend - Graphic Recording allows me to tell the story of a meeting or conference. I have been able to bridge language and art by facilitating graphic recordings for the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations band office and the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District’s Coastal Community Garden Initiative. I’ve also had the chance to help coordinate a series of small murals that are now hung at the Wickaninnish Community School garden. The students painted and decorated the panels after I came up with the different designs, creating a flowing piece of art against the fence. The mural represents Indigenous foods of our region. Collaborating with two local businesses, Reika and Porkchop Prophecy, I designed a shirt to spread awareness about Indigenous Lives Matter with all of the profits going to Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks so they can continue to protect our land. I’m looking forward to what the future holds.
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Photography Credits • Website by Owen Perry
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