Artist Statement

When you look at Indigenous art traditions around the world, there are often a direct connections to the land implied in some way within the art. Its no different for Metis People who were historically known as “The Flower Beadwork People.” The understanding of how we’re supposed to live on the land is encoded into our beliefs which are sometimes found the designs and symbols present in our artwork.

When I’m creating my art, I’m not simply transferring beadwork patterns onto the canvas; there has to be meaning behind it. So I will include certain plants or symbols into the painting that have a specific reason or coding behind them. It’s always primarily a message about the respect for lands and waters: the respect we need to have for the earth and everything that is around us. As human beings, we are mistaken if we think we are superior to other species.

My heart overflows with love for the beauty of this world.

I see war, but I paint flowers.

I paint what I want for this world. I try to reflect to the best of my ability the power and sacredness of Mother Earth which is the sacredness of all life as we know it.

May we live long enough to see humankind turn away from violence and greed and towards creating a world based on caring and giving. May we live long to see the world embrace global disarmament.

Prayers for the sick to be healed.

For the bombs to stop.

Freedom and dignity, care and enough for all.