Connect What is your favorite type of art to create?

I really enjoy creating historic scenes, combining old maps from the archives with scenes from the same time period as the maps. The time it takes in drawing the map onto the canvas gives me the opportunity to reflect on how I want final composition to come across, and sometimes it takes weeks to decide on that final composition. I use mostly transparent oil colours in these paintings, which allows the map underneath to permeate the scene creating a harmonious narrative of time and place.

Where do you find inspiration?

I have an indigenous background, my great great grandfather is Cree. The exploration and research of my own history has led me to delve into the history of the original peoples across many regions of North America. The story of our past as a people is important, and if my art can inspire discussion and awareness of this history in any way, then my work as an artist has a purpose and meaning.

What would you do with $25,000?

Having funds to explore more of the native culture across North America would be a super opportunity to learn mord from the elders who still hold the history in their stories. Being able to expand the base of where my art is seen is a great opportunity to engage more viewers and bring more awareness of our ancestral past, both as indigenous first peoples and european settlers. Having my art viewed by more people will bring more discussion of our historical roots and journeys.