1. Who or what has influenced you or your artistic practice(s)/work/style?
My influence came from my community. From the people, to the land, and all the shared stories growing up on reserve. It evolved when I was in University, taking an Indigenous art history class and seeing the introduction of the Indigenous Group of Seven.The power of colour and the legacy they built was inspiring and stayed with me throughout my art journey.
2. Where do you look for inspiration?
Everywhere. To me, the premise of Indigenous art is based around an artist's perspective on how we see our dreams. I don't dream when I sleep, I dream when I am awake. As I go about my day to day, I have imagery in the back of my mind that is changing colour and adapting to things I see throughout the day. Realizing this, I realized this was a gift, that I may have found my purpose, to create and share with others.
3. What medium are you drawn to the most? Why?
I love that I have a digital side of work and an acrylic side. It gives me a balance of both mediums and allows me to take breaks when I have stayed on one process for too long. Both speak to me in different ways, Digital is a wide variety of change and adaptability with no limitations. Where with acrylic, I simplify colour and lines and apply more time and thought into the works. It's really the best of both worlds to be honest.
4. What are you currently working on?
Ah yes, the question I get most. This is based more on my creative process. A lot of my work is in collaboration, where I need to get to know my client or hear their story that they want to get across. This is the beautiful part of my work, the building of a story. Every project I see is an opportunity for me to share my gift and provide a still image of the overall story the person is wanting others to see. I go into every project with this mentality and it allows every opportunity I have to get that feeling of authenticity and give a sense of community.
Learn more at inchipakwetrust.ca
