Pat Nokomis
Born Ojibwa in the bush two hundred miles north of Lake Superior, ON, Nokomis (nicknamed “Pat”), paints memories of a traditional culture where many people were still living by hunting, fishing and trapping. Each painting is a narrative, a brief moment in time that captures real people going about their lives. Nokomis says she has always been a storyteller but she hasn't always been an artist. In her sixties she began to use art to illustrate her stories. Although she has no formal art training, Nokomis began her artistic career by first learning the traditional crafts - smoking hides to make moccasins, jackets, mukluks and small beaded jewelry items. In 1993-1994, she did pursue professional development in her art in Calgary, AB.
Her acrylic paintings are a naïve, colourful and charming remembrance of her life as a child. About ten years ago, Nokomis began teaching herself to make mille fiore glass canes from man-made polymer clays in the manner of the Venetian bead makers. She used the canes to make art objects and jewellery. These objects are contemporary beaded necklaces, quaint little "lady pins" or keychains that sometimes follow native themes. Nokomis uses her art and storytelling to teach Ojibwa traditions and spirituality. Her stories and art are reproduced extensively in books, prints and cards.
Her acrylic paintings are a naïve, colourful and charming remembrance of her life as a child. About ten years ago, Nokomis began teaching herself to make mille fiore glass canes from man-made polymer clays in the manner of the Venetian bead makers. She used the canes to make art objects and jewellery. These objects are contemporary beaded necklaces, quaint little "lady pins" or keychains that sometimes follow native themes. Nokomis uses her art and storytelling to teach Ojibwa traditions and spirituality. Her stories and art are reproduced extensively in books, prints and cards.