Artists
As in many other forms of creative expression, there are many active
Métis artists working with an interest in presenting their experiences
and their culture.
Among these artists is the painter Christi Belcourt who paints works
that reflect the natural work of the Métis people. Her paintings are
presented a strong clear colours and designs.
Jim Swift works in acrylic with canvases that are often three by four
feet. He has done a great deal of photography and some sculpture. Peter
Howlett produces works that reflect the holistic healing of the mind,
spirit and the body as it is understood by the Ojibwa. He has produced
paintings of Aboriginal dancers.
Working with mixed mediums, David Hannan has produced works that have
been published in periodicals and participates in exhibitions featuring
Aboriginal arts. He has also had solo shows like one at the Indian and
Inuit Art Gallery 101 in Ottawa. Hannan’s focus has been on the history
and culture of the Métis people.
The Métis airbrush artist Robin Paré was born in Medicine Hat,
Alberta and paints snowmobile, hockey, and motorcycle helmets, vehicles,
and t-shirts. Ric and Rose Richards are Métis carvers work with such
materials as Woolly Mammoth tusks, moose antlers to produce jewellery.
The couple also incorporate gold and stones, particularly lapis lazuli
and red pipestone. Their designs often reflect the natural world.
Sherry Farrell Racette produces works that explore both historical
and contemporary Métis culture. She has had her work published in The
Flower Beadwork People, which she also wrote. In the book,
Stories of the Road Allowance People that was translated from
Mitchif by Maria Campbell, Racette produced the illustrations.
Art has provided many Métis people with a form of expression for
their experiences and history. It is a strong and growing tradition that
will continue to bring the Métis culture to others.
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