Meet The Artists

Since childhood, art has been a passion of mine. I decided to follow my passion in post-secondary studies, and incorporate art into many aspects of my teaching career. I believe art, and a creation mind set, is a way of life, and finds its way into every corner of one‛s life, if one chooses to let it in.

The process of printmaking is so organic and visceral. I feel it marries the two-dimensional and three-dimensional worlds of art together in a way that few other practices do. I love the way it feels to cut the linoleum blocks, to roll out the ink to just the right consistency, and because I lack a true printing press, I also love the pressure and strength I must place upon each print as I make it. An intention of printmaking is to have uniformity amongst one‛s prints; however, there are always slight variances in the thickness of line, and the texture of the ink, which makes each print unique in it‛s own way.

I attended Ontario College of Art and Design and York University‛s Fine Arts Studio Program. I‛m inspired by my Kanien‛kehaka heritage and language as well as our connections to the natural world, also my family and the children I work with each day.

Alyssa Bardy is a self-taught natural light photographer and a visual storyteller. She is rarely found without her children, binoculars, dog and camera.

Born and raised in rural Ontario, Alyssa was raised with a love and appreciation for a lifestyle immersed in the outdoors. Alyssa’s photography tells the stories of motherhood, Indigenous reconnection, nationhood, and our interconnectedness with Land, with a special passion for birds.

Alyssa uses the lens as a tool for herself, her children, and future generations to learn and share the brilliance and beauty of both culture and creation.

Alyssa is Upper Cayuga of Six Nations of the Grand River and belongs to Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, where she and her family reside. Examples of her work can be found in Canadian Geographic, The 400 Years Project, and the Center for Humans and Nature among many others.  

I am a self-taught artist based in Ontario, Canada. 

I have had a passion for art since the day I realized I could create shape and form with a pencil or my crayon.

I have grown up across Canada, experiencing the beauty and wonders Ontario has to offer, breathing in the dry brisk air of the prairies, to dancing in the waves of the ocean in British Columbia.  The art influences across Canada have impacted my style of work and spans the country in style as I did physically growing up.

My dad is such a nature nut!!! spending hours exploring every facet of the beautiful country we live in, thus giving me such an appreciation for the natural beauty of all Canada has to offer.

My mother’s Indigenous background inspires me. I continue to learn the stories of the Indigenous tribes and art forms. I believe that the spirit of the land comes through as I bring my images to life.

I do believe that colour can heal the soul. I paint with bright and bold colour and form.  I want the image to inspire and create joy!

Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory

My name is Brandie Maracle, I am wolf Clan from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, and a day school survivor. I have been designing & Creating Ribbon Skirts for 30+ years! I take great Pride in my quality work and do custom designs as I truly believe in the power in the skirt. I also have created ribbon skirt kits to encourage people to take pride and create their own.

Debra Vincent is a Bear Clan member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte and resides on the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. She has enjoyed painting and drawing since childhood, and after a lengthy administrative career decided to return to her passion of art full-time. Debra’s designs are influenced by her Haudenosaunee culture. She works with acrylics, mixed media, and pen and ink.

Shé:kon, Faith yónkyats. Kanyen’kéha niwakhwentsyó:ten. Wakenyáhten. Ohsweken nitiwakè:nonh. Kanyen’kéha kateweyénhstha. Í:kehre akahrónkha’ne’ ne Kanyen’kéha. Hello my name is Faith. I am Mohawk Nation. I am turtle clan. I’m from Six Nations of the Grand River. I am studying Mohawk. I come a very long line of Strong indigenous women. I grew up off territory but spent a lot of time on Six Nations with my Grandmother Ruby Montour, who was a land defender. I always felt like something was missing. So I started asking people from Tyendinaga where I can learn Mohawk language. David Maracle told me about the Shatiwennakará:tats program on Kenhtè:ke. As I started to learn the language I realized all the things that I had learned as a child were cultural not just something my family did. Learning my language has been a struggle from the beginning. From people telling me “why do you want to learn a dead language?” To “I didn’t know you were Native?” “You don’t look Native.” Being able to speak and understand my language and to learn and live my culture has also influenced my own family to learn more about our culture and friends who are reconnecting to their language as well. Learning my language is a lifetime goal. I want to become a speaker (one who understands) Mohawk. Nyá:wen

Lisa Martin is a member of The Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte. Crafting has been in her family and continues to pass down native artwork traditions to family and friends.

Lisa is the owner of Martin’s Beads, a craft supply store in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.

Melissa Brant stands tall and proud as an Indigenous woman, holding multifaceted roles: a mother, daughter, granddaughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. Beyond these intimate roles, Melissa’s identity blossoms vibrantly as a multidisciplinary artist specializing in face and body painting.

Even from an early age, Melissa’s artistic inclinations were evident. The little girl sketching cartoons that flickered on her TV screen evolved into a teenager ardently honing her creative skills. Today, she embodies the essence of an artist who has turned a lifelong passion into a flourishing career.

Her portfolio continues after her artwork. She also offers commissioned pieces, captivating murals for local enterprises and events, and the transformation of the human form into living, breathing canvases of face and body art. For those looking to infuse a splash of colour and imagination into their events, Melissa is also an accomplished face painter, bringing joy to themed gatherings, fundraisers, and children’s occasions.

Venturing beyond the realm of visual arts, Melissa taps into the rhythmic world of Hula Hooping. As a certified instructor, she melds artistic expression with dynamic movement, offering private and group sessions designed for fitness and sheer enjoyment.

Melissa beautifully sums up her dedication to her artistry: “The joy in both my art forms is the privilege of showcasing the unique beauty in everyone, especially uplifting women, through diverse artistic avenues.” This resonating sentiment is a testament to her unwavering commitment and love for her craft.

Pamela Devonshire is a Canadian author and storyteller with Mohawk, British and Scottish ancestry. She is a proud member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte and descendent of Chief John Deserontyon. Pamela offers a compelling and creative Indigenous worldview, sharing stories about her family lineage and the founding of Tyendinaga.

Pamela enjoys sharing her stories with children and is inspired by their appetite to learn more about Indigenous peoples in southern Ontario. Through her workshops, children participate in hands on arts and crafts activities to make the learning fun and memorable. I share stories that inspire the imagination and bring history to life.

My stories are a tribute to my Mohawk ancestors.

Mohawk

Although I have always loved beadwork, I stopped beading for many years to focus on my family.

However, as I have transitioned into becoming an “empty nester,” I have been able to put more energy into beadwork and practicing my skills.

I choose to bead because every time I go to a pow wow or other social events where beaded items are sold, I fall in love with them! Unfortunately, many of these beautiful items do not fit into my budget, but it has encouraged me to learn how to create pieces for myself!

While I have been beading for a few years now, I still struggle with finding confidence in myself as an artist and confidence in the work I create. I always try and remember who I am as an artist and that my art is special and worthy of being valued.

Tewateronhiahkhwa Glenister

Tewateronhiahkhwa Glenister is from the Mohawk Nation, Wolf Clan. She is a mother of three, a daughter, a partner, an artist and storyteller.

She has been a student of Kanienke’ha (Mohawk Language) for the last six years and works as an Educator at Kawennaón:we Mohawk Language school in Kenhtéke (Tyendinaga Mohawk Territorty).

She enjoys spending time with her children, learning their language, living their cultural ways and spending time in nature.

Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory

My name is Theresa Brant, I am from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. Once Covid-19 hit, I started to paint. My son is an amazing artist and I’ve always wondered if I could paint and it turns out that I can and I’m loving this new world.

Tom Wilson Tehoh’ahake (Two Roads) is a Canadian musician, songwriter, famed storyteller and visual artist. Wilson’s memoir, Beautiful Scars, published by Penguin/Random House has become a national bestseller.

In his memoir, Wilson reveals the impact of discovering his indigenous heritage. Musically, Wilson is best known for his work with Blackie & The Rodeo Kings and Lee Harvey Osmond, the latter receiving a 2020 Juno Award for the album Mohawk.

I‛ve been interested in art my whole life. Carving started with wood, creating ducks and a loon. Then I worked on walking sticks of various shapes and details. Antler carving came by chance. It was suggested by a friend and I thought, I would give it a try. I really enjoyed carving in this medium, so on and on it goes.

I am a self taught carver, inspired by my Mohawk heritage, through the stories and legends I have been told or read through the years. Nature speaks to me and I find designs from Mother Earth becoming part of what results on my work bench. I believe every one has an artistic side. It is certainly something that we First Nations find to be part of our being. Sometimes you need to search for it, but then it may spring forth at an unexpected moment and change your life. Always keep looking for it, as I have found it so rewarding.