Tara Francis
[ WABANAKI ARTIST: 2021, 2022 ]
The Marshall Decision - SOLD, 6” x 14”, Dyed Porcupine Quills, Birch Bark, Sweetgrass
Tara is a Mi'kmaq artist from Elsipogtog First Nation, she considers herself a contemporary artist, influenced by traditional techniques and teachings, bringing them forward in new forms and forums addressing the Indigenous voice in a modern world. She considers her work part of her own personal spiritual journey, a blessing to the Wabanaki people, honouring the symbols and traditions of her ancestors.
In 1999 she began attending the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design, where she received her Certificate of Native Art Study and Fine Craft Diploma in Surface Design, going on to obtain an Aboriginal Creation grant from Artsnb in 2003 to build a body of work inspired by the Mi'k maq Petroglyphs of Kejimakoojik NS. Her work has been featured on APTN's Wabaanakik documentary series, as well as various arts columns and magazines. Her pieces are scattered from Hawaii to Africa, Germany to the Middle East. She has been in countless exhibits including one at Harbourfront Centre in downtown Toronto and the 4 Winds one Breath Gallery in Rhode Island. More recently featured in the Keepers of the Light Indigenous Arts Exhibit in St. John's,Newfoundland, as well as being one of 3 participants in Artslink's 2019 Cross Cultural Residency, who's work is traveled to various venues across the province. one artist in the contemporary exhibit of New Brunswick artists, Circadian curated by Amy Ash. Tara has shared the tradition of Porcupine Quill art, through workshops and demonstrations throughout Atlantic Canada and Maine. As well as instructed at NBCCD.
“For thousands of years, my people, the Mi’kmaq, have lived in a mutual respect with these coastal lands, of Turtle Island, depending on the rich environment and resources to sustain our existence. Healthy forests, waterways, animals and fish being essential to our way of life. Our inherent connection to the land is the backbone to our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual wellbeing. In just a few centuries, we have witnessed and been victim to the depletion and destruction of these resources, our Treaty rights being all but ignored and dismissed. I’ve created the pieces, in this series, to honour some of these precious resources: Jagej – Lobster, Tia'm - Moose, Plamu - Salmon as well as the Birch bark – Masgwi , Porcupine – Matues and collecting of the Sweet Grass – Msigue’get.”
- Tara Francis