I paint from my heart and soul, viewing Aboriginal people through their life ways as they once lived, and as they strive to continue to live as loving, caring and peaceful people. The teachings and stories I learn flow to the canvas expressing ideas and images through my detailed woodlands style of art. A style that I connect with as part of my history passed down from generation to generation. I paint legends and dreams, which bring to life the animal spirits and all of Creation. My lines do not lead a life of prejudice they follow the red road, mino bimaadiziwin as I do, following the teachings of the Three Fires Midewiwin Society. Sharing my stories...Self-taught artist. Growing up, I was around and influenced by world-renowned artists, Jackson Beardy, Norval Morrisseau, Cecil Youngfox, my uncle Leland Bell, and my father, painter and writer Duke Redbird. As a teenager, Norval Morrisseau talked to me about colors and their meanings relating how they express Aboriginal language, history and culture. My Uncle Leland Bell showed me techniques and shared traditional teachings and stories explaining the animals and their meanings. My father, Duke Redbird encouraged me to put my art out there to share how beautiful the Aboriginal culture is. Following those formative years, I continued to paint, learning more and finding my own voice and stories to share through my paintings, which are vibrant in colors, stories and meanings.
"OUR HOME" represents the various physical locations in which we create home for our families and ourselves. It also includes home as an idea that provides a sense of belonging and comfort. No matter where or how we create our home, we are reminded that Mother Earth is our essential home. The story of the painting begins with the four Seneca campuses, which become our “home away from home.” These campuses provide space for education and future leadership by students from all Nations from the four directions of Mother Earth. We are all united to continue to learn to be the best future that we can be. The Lightening connects the physical realm with the spiritual realm. There is a Teepee that represents the past and the future. It is a reminder that life continues to move forward and we need to know our histories to understand where are going into the future. The sweat lodge (womb of Mother Earth) represents Human Beings’ connection to Mother Earth, who provides all of life to the natural world. Without Mother Earth continuously providing all that we need to sustain life, there would be no life. The trees represent strength and growth. The water represents life; it is the lifeblood of Mother Earth. It is important as we strive to achieve success in our education and future contributions; we remember our connection and responsibilities to ensure we move forward protecting and caring for Mother Earth...Our Home.
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