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- From the North: Contemporary and Traditional Craft
From the North: Contemporary and Traditional Craft
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From the North depicts a diverse and rich tradition of craft, featuring ten Aboriginal artists from Northern Ontario. Including woodwork, antler carving, beadwork, leather work, textiles and basketry, each object in the exhibition is handmade and expresses individual skill and design as influenced by living in the north. The use of natural materials and imagery are a common theme, and the voice of craft resonates through issues of cultural relevance, land, identity, and self.
From the North is curated by Jean Marshall, and includes the work of Mike Anderson, Shannon Gustafson, Lisa and Erick Hanson, Elsie Kwandibens, Marlene Kwandibens, Nellie Matthews, Patricia Ningewance, Melissa Twance, and Ken Wabegijig.
Jean Marshall has been practicing professionally as a visual artist for the past ten years, working primarily in textiles and beads. Jean initiated the Anemki Art Collective, stemming from her experience with the Thunder Bay Art Gallery where she curated the exhibition Celebrating the Creators in 2010.
Mike Anderson is a self taught Ojibway artist from Lake Helen First Nation. Mike began carving in 2001 using moose antler, soapstone and red pipestone. He carves wildlife and his spiritual beliefs into the stone and antler pieces.
Shannon Gustafson is Ojibwe, originally from Serpent River First Nation. She is a gifted artist in the area of custom regalia making and beadwork. Shannon travels extensively as a powwow dancer, and the inspiration for her work is supported by her traditional lifestyle.
Erick and Lisa Hanson are an artistic duo who collaborate in creating handcrafted guitars through The Wild Honey Guitar Company. Erick is the principle guitar maker while Lisa carves and paints. His guitars become her canvasses. Together, they create beautiful electric guitars that both play and tell stories.
Elsie Kwandibens was taught to bead by her mother, and the techniques that were passed down to her have brought her to where she is today. Elsie is a highly respected elder, and is admired as a master craftswoman for her striking beadwork pieces.
Marlene Kwandibens was initially taught beading techniques by her mother, and has developed a style that is uniquely her own. Marlene’s art has evolved from simple jewellery and wall hangings to more complex pieces incorporating textiles, applique work and painting.
Nellie Matthews is an Ojibwa/Cree woman, originally from Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation, also known as Big Trout Lake. She is a self-taught artist and has been doing beadwork for 22 years.
Patricia Ningewance works primarily in cloth and textiles, a material choice that was inspired by her childhood experiences of travelling and living out of a tent. While practicing her craft on a full-time basis, Patricia is also a writer and a publisher of native language materials.
Melissa Twance is from Pic Mobert First Nation, Ontario. She learned the skill and techniques of beading from her granny. Her beadwork combines traditional Ojibwe floral design with contemporary patterns, creating a unique and colourful style of her own.
Ken Wabegijig is Ojibwa from Wikwemikong/Whitefish lake First Nation. He has been practicing various arts and crafts for most of his life, and is known for his intricate beadwork, jewellery, and leatherwork.
