Po'ks Pop-Up 2024: Meet the Makers!
Jade Sark of Seathemy Arts
My name is Jade Sark, I'm a Mi'kmaw artist from We'koqma'q First Nation, currently living in Kjipuktuk. I am the owner of Seatherny Arts, a small business where I sell my artwork that consists of my baskets, paintings, and other crafts that I create.
I'm a fourth generation basket weaver, carrying on a strong tradition from boths sides of my family. I weave my baskets out of black ash wood, and embellish them with sweetgrass, birchbark, and wood burned engravings.
As a young indigenous artist living in the city, I hope to make a living off of my art, just as my family did, and carry the family tradition down to the next generation.
Nichelle Googoo of Shell Beads
Kwe’, my name is Nichelle. I’m a second year nursing student at NSCC from Eskasoni First Nation and I am proud to call myself Mi’kmaq. Originally I found a passion for beading as a hobby! Now, I work closely with other artists’ who have inspired me to continue growing my skills and share my work!
Laylia Bennett of Little L'nu
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.
Kathleen Googoo of Burning Vibrations
Burning Vibration’s foundation is based on the belief that everything in the universe gives off vibrations whether it is positive or negative. To ensure that the burning vibration’s candles radiates with only pure positive vibrations, I use only pure ingredients that help manifest what is desired. Once the candle is set, it is then cleansed with sage to remove any lingering negative energy. The candle is then placed on an altar with a charged crystal that correlates with the desired manifestation. The crystal is placed on the candle for a minimum of 3 -7 days. Once the candle is charged with your personal intentions, it is then time to burn the candle releasing the vibrations into the universe to help manifest your desire.
Dawn Googoo of NSMatues
My name is Dawn Googoo. I am Mi’kmaw from We’koqma’q L’nue’kati. I sell natural and dyed porcupine quills. I live in the Eastern Passage area with my small family. An area that frequently has porcupine roadkill. I considered learning the art of harvesting quills for awhile and finally decided it was time to learn.
I reached out to other amazing and talented people who do quill art. I wanted to learn the process of harvesting and preparing the quills for artist, as I am not very crafty. This process alone is an art in itself. I am grateful for the knowledge that was shared with me and I hope to carry it forward to the future generations.
Buffy Googoo of Buffster's Gallery
Hello, my name is Buffy and I'm a recent NSCAD Alumni from We'koqma'q First Nation. My art and style varies depending on the medium I work with. As a vendor, I really enjoy making stickers and keychains. However, I think my best art practice would be my realism in oil painting. I've always been an artist, with a passion to draw since childhood.
Kaitlin Cullen of Relations of Kaitlin
Aanii! My name is Kaitlin Cullen (she/her). I am a kind, optimistic, thoughtful and self-determined person with a passion for the arts. I am an Ojibwe woman from Pine Creek First Nation and I am currently living in Halifax/Kjipuktuk in Nova Scotia. I have been learning and practicing my crafts mostly on my terms. I create mainly embroidery and beadwork pieces but I also do sewing and digital art. Embroidery and other art forms have helped me escape my addiction and cope with the waves of grief. On my sobriety journey, I am honouring all my relations in the process of connecting to my roots. By creating, I am sharing my story and carrying out my mom’s dreams. I am also carrying out a message of hope for others; a legacy from those who have suffered from addiction and have moved onto the spirit world. Despite the challenges I have faced in the past, I know I can continue to be a good role model for my community and family.
Raven Stephens of Ravenxbeads
Kwe’ my name is Raven Stephens, I’m a Mi’kmaq woman from Millbrook First Nation. I have a Bachelor of Science and a Masters degree, however I am a lover of the arts. I am a beadwork artist, a makeup artist and an published author. I published my book ‘Painting our legacy’ in 2022, where I highlight and share the beauty of my Indigenous culture through the artist medium of makeup. l grew up on the rez and now I live in the city, I found beading helped me stay connected to my culture and that’s when I really fell in love with it.
Shaniya Vance of ShaniyaBeads
Shaniya is a beader who resides in Sydney, but is a member of Potlotek First Nation. Her art aims to merge the traditional arm form with pop culture references. From earrings, to keychains to wall decor, Shaniya creates a variety of beaded items to sell and showcase.
Marsha Vicaire from 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.
Killa Atencio from Moonlight Works
Killa Ch'aska Mitchell-Atencio is from Listuguj First Nation in Mi'gmaq Territory (Quebec, Canada). Proud of her Mi'kmaq and Quechua ancestry she enthusiastically shares and expresses her culture through her art and beadwork. She began beading in 2012 and has not stopped since. In 2016, the CBC featured Killa for her beaded poppies and she’s received requests from all over the world since.
Sydney Wreaks of Sydney Wreaks Art
Sydney Wreaks (@sydneywreaksarts) Sydney Wreaks (they/them) is an Interdisciplinary artist & educator. They are of Kanien'kehá:ka & euro-settler descent growing as an uninvited guest in Mikma'ki. They just finished the Masters in Art Education program at NSCAD University. Their work looks at challenging colonial narratives and using the practice of counter-memorization as a way to confront cultural amnesia. Sydney also has a visual arts practice that includes Beadwork, that can expand into painting and textiles.
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Posted Nov 4, 2024
