Etlitoq 2024: Meet the Makers!

Laylia Bennett of Little L'nu

@little_lnu

“Laylia Bennett (they/she) is a Mi’kmaw and Acadian artist and a member of L’sitkuk (Bear River) First Nation. They are a Multidisciplinary Artist with a focus on beadwork and digital art. Laylia is Autistic, queer and chronically ill and operates a small business called Little L’nu where they sell handmade beaded earrings, pins, stickers, art prints, and more. Their work is often inspired by double curve motifs, pop culture, and the beauty found in nature such as flowers, berries, animals, and bright vivid colors.”

Imriel Bissnette of Radical Cat Creations

@radicalcatcreations

“Imriel works primarily in fiber arts with a focus on 2SLGBTQ+ and geeky subjects. Xe is a reconnecting Mi’kmaq with Black/African Nova Scotian and European family ties. Imriel has been learning and using various fiber arts since they were 8 years old after learning to knit from their mother. Xe lives in the beautiful Annapolis Valley with xer husband, one dog, two rats, and a snake.”

Chelsea Brooks of Chelsea Brooks Native Art

@chelseabrooksnativeart

“I am from Sip’knekatik where I grew up until the age of 25 when I moved to Halifax! I am the granddaughter of Christine Pictou Brooks - Birchbark Crafter & the daughter of David J Brooks - Visual Artist & Wood Carver. I work full time being a Visual Artist & Owner of Chelsea Brooks Native Art. I create paintings on feathers, wooden boxes, canvas & other items. I also make reproductions of my original artwork such as prints, fridge magnet sets, bookmarks, etc. My style is a mix of traditional, modern with a mix of femininity.”

Sarah Brooks of Brooks Textiles

@brookstextiles

“Sarah Brooks (she/her) is an artist and craftsperson based in Punamu’kwati’jk (Dartmouth, NS), and is from the Mi’kmaq community of Sɨkɨpne'katik First Nation, Mi’kma’ki (Nova Scotia). She graduated from NSCAD University in 2019, receiving her BFA with a major in textiles and a minor in art history. Since 2019, Sarah has been employed through Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq (CMM) and Saint Mary’s University, contributing to the project titled T’an Weji-sqalia’tiek: Mi’kmaw Place Names. Sarah received her Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in 2022 at NSCAD University in Kjipuktuk (Halifax, NS). Some mediums that Sarah has been exploring with further are; textiles, beadwork, ceramics, and incorporation of natural/organic materials.”

Zane Flores of By Zane

@byzanehfx

“Zane is an urban Indigenous youth that loves all things art and music. At 10 years old, Zane has worked hard to create a depiction of the Mi’kmaw 7 Sacred Teachings through fine and digital art methods to assist in the sharing of knowledge and tradition. While still working on finding his own identity as a generational residential school survivor, he is empowered by his grandfathers perseverance as a day school attendee and hopes his art provide an avenue not only for his self exploration, but others as well.”

Jayme-Lynn Gloade of Reclaim Clay Studio

@reclaimclaystudio

"As a Mi’kmaw artist I am drawn to the emotional representations and influences that objects have within our surroundings. I believe that it is part of human nature to look for ways to transform and adapt our environment to make it our own. The objects we choose to place in our daily lives affect our moods and mindsets at their core. I would like to emphasize the role of our humanistic nature and how it participates in constructing the spaces we live in through a Mi’kmaq lens."

Kary Shannon of 1790 West Farm + Goods

@1790west

“Boozhoo aanii. Kary is Anishinaabe, living, working and playing on the eastern shore of Mi’kma’ki, the unceded ancestral home of the Mi’kmaw. Growing up under the watchful gaze of Nanabijou (the Sleeping Giant), Kary has been working to reclaim Indigenous stories and skills that filled her Kokum (grandmother)’s day including beading, tanning and harvesting medicines. Her jewellery reflects the stories of the Anishinaabe - Skywoman, Turtle Island, Thunderbirds and medicine wheel - with palettes of fire, nature and water.”

Danielle Sproule of Red River Ribbon

@redriverribbon

"My name is Danielle Sproule, I am from Winnipeg. Both my parents are Metis however they didn’t find out until I was in high school, then we did our best to immerse ourselves in Metis culture. I joined the military when I turned 19 through an indigenous entry program where I learned even more about indigenous culture. I left the military in 2022 after 11 years of service and returned to Winnipeg where I began learning how to make ribbon wear and regalia. I now live in NS. I believe in putting positive energy into the things you make. Most of the items I make are for babies and children because I found it hard to find ribbon wear for them, and wanted to make these things more accessible."

Alexina St. Pierre-Farrow of Holy Shadow

@sheisholyshadow

“My name is Alexina St. Pierre-Farrow, or Shadow as you may know me. I’m a mixed Mi’kmaw artist and musician. My visual art practice is rooted in metal sculpture, blacksmithing, painting, beadwork, quillwork, and book arts.”

Lacey Taylor of Sakatay Designs

@sakataydesigns

"Sakatay Designs is a Mi’kmaw and Anishininew business focused on selling high-end, handmade Indigenous jewelry, street apparel, ornaments, and tote bags. I create minimalistic and classic pieces that are inspired by my late kookim’s beadwork. The label was created in the hopes that its wearers feel empowered and inspired by the strength and beauty of our/their culture. We want our Indigenous brothers and sisters visible, looking great, and feeling great. Sakatay Designs is also accessible to non-indigenous peoples who wish to embrace Indigenous humor, culture, and beauty; who wish to support Indigenous creators/artists; and those who wish to display their allyship to Indigenous cultures and issues. We love to create jewelry using materials sourced from the land including moose and deer hide, seal skin, rabbit and beaver fur, moose and deer antler, birch bark, pearls, shells, and precious stones."

Marsha Vicaire of Be Heard Beadwork

@be_heard_beadwork

“Marsha Vicaire is a Mi’gmaw bead artist from Listuguj in Gespe’gewa’gi. Currently, she is based out of the Moncton area and enjoys learning from the landscape in that traditional district of Mi’gma’gi. Marsha grew up in a family of fluent Mi’gmaw speakers who were closely connected to traditional land-based practices. Her early influences along with her passion for the Mi’gmaw language and culture have largely informed her beading creations, and have led her to regain the traditional practice of fish tanning. Today, her work blends traditional materials with contemporary influences. Marsha continues to grow as an artist through opportunities that allow her to share her art, culture, language, and stories. As an educator, she appreciates teaching and sharing her knowledge with others, especially through activities geared towards building and empowering the next generation.”

Cameron Walker

@spaceecam.art

“Cameron Walker earned their BFA in Interdisciplinary Arts from NSCAD University. Their career extends into personal and collaborative projects, developed through engagement with artist-run centres, Indigenous, and community organizations. Their practice is shaped throughout the week by work at a family-owned repair shop located in Kjipuktuk (Halifax). They currently explore themes of intergenerational cycles, mental health, and memory through language and land. Cameron will be selling one-of-a-kind hand-drawn tapestries and patches on canvas/felt backing.”

Maryann Woodworth of Tribal Vibe Natures Tea

Tribal Vibe – Nature's Tea

“My name is Maryann and from a very young age I was taught about native plant medicine from my elders. I foraged for wild ingredients myself and produce wildcrafted, natural teas. I started my business about 5 years ago and haven’t looked back! I love what I do.”

Sydney Wreaks of Sydney Wreaks Art

@sydneywreaksart

“Sydney Wreaks (they/them) is a Queer neurodivergent Interdisciplinary artist & educator. They are of Kanien’kehá:ka & euro-settler descent, who grew up and currently lives in Mi’kma’ki. Their beadwork pulls from their fine arts undergraduate studies in painting, and learning to bead with community."

Eleanna Zinck

@eleannazinckart

“My name is Eleanna Zinck, I’m in my first year at NSCAD. I am Mi’kmaq, and have worked on many public projects regarding the Moose Hide and Red Dress movement. My work consists of acrylic and watercolour paintings (abstract and landscape) and polymer clay sculptures."