| Artist Statement |
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| Even in today's politically correct climate there are stereotypes, that we all must be aware of and question, that misguide us with our relationships with others. Being a First Nations person from a small community I am well aware of what others thought and saw me as, this is what has lead me through my life and eventually to photography. |
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| Combined with personal experience and exposure to History (Western Art and Photographic) I have found that the image of the Aboriginal Peoples of North America that the general population knows of and remembers are the stereotypes; 1) the wild savage, in exotic costumes with painted faces, 2) the romantic savage, who had a child like innocence, 3) the stoic, the unsmiling Indian with braided hair, 4) the activist, protesting and screaming, and 5) the main street Indian, a homeless and addicted person living in the city. |
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| It is with all of the above in mind that will hopefully guide my photography to develop new images, which not only comes from a First Nations perspective but creates a context that portrays us as a whole people. The First Nations community has been addressing this issue of perception for years and the progress has been slow because of the inconsistency of where the community stands. I hope that with more positive interaction through personal relationships, business contact, and the arts there will be a more positive contemporary First Nations image forged. |
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| There is much emphasis placed on the written word and the visual image by the Western Culture, it is illogical to expect these two mediums to represent a whole idea, way of life or a group of people. Ultimately, nothing can replace the personal experience. |
Curriculum Vitae
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| Education |
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| Art - Photography BFA Program |
2000 - 2005 (Not completed) |
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Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD) |
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| Foundation Studies Program |
1999 - 2000 |
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Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD) |
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| Self Directed Study |
1986 - 1999 |
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| Group Exhibitions |
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| dance dance dance....the dance/art |
May 2002 |
| show |
Art Systems |
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Toronto, Ontario |
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| Post-Indian |
March 2002 |
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Atrium Café |
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Native Students' Association |
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Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD) |
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Toronto, Ontario |
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| Red Millennium |
February 2001 |
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Atrium Café |
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Native Students' Association |
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Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD) |
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Toronto, Ontario |
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| From time before memory.... |
March 2000 |
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Atrium Café |
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Native Students' Association |
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Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD) |
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Toronto, Ontario |
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| No Borders |
June 1992 |
| (Traveling Exhibition) |
Thunder Bay Art Gallery |
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Thunder Bay, Ontario |
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October 1991 |
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Native Indian Inuit Photographers' Association Gallery (NIIPA) |
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Hamilton, Ontario |
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| Award |
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| Norman & Margaret Jewison Charitable |
April 2004 |
| Foundation Scholarship |
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| Previous Membership |
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| Native Indian Inuit Photographers' Association |
Student Member |
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