Indigenous Artists

Emily Germain

I’m a Mi’kmaw artist living on lək̓ʷəŋən territory. I’ve always felt drawn to art. My dad was such a creative person in every sense. One time I remember seeing a new painting in his home and when I asked him where he got it, he said, “Oh I just collected some rocks in the yard and covered them in black paint, then let them drip down the canvas." To me, it was such a beautiful painting that appeared out of nowhere, but to him it was just a regular Tuesday afternoon. I would spend hours sitting down making pencil sketches with him just for fun. So much of my love for art and creating came from him.

My grandparents have always been so encouraging for my siblings and I when we would finish new art projects. It always felt like I was able to express myself through art.

Beading specifically came to me I think the way a lot of people developed new skills; COVID times. I was living away from home in a new Province during lockdown and I needed to find a way to spend time. I got a lot of support from my sibling in the beginning. They are a much better beadwork artist so I would ask them a lot of questions. Even though they were across the country in our home community, I was still able to feel close with my family through creating art.

Now, beading is such a healing art form for me. Like a lot of people, I get overwhelmed easily and I can get stressed out from my regular day job, and beading helps to quiet my mind. It’s been a way for me to feel closer to my family. Even though my dad isn’t here anymore to see the art I’m making, I still tell him about all of my accomplishments, even if he can’t really hear me. I still send my sibling questions about how I can fix a pattern I don’t like, and I love showing my grandparents everything I’ve been able to do. Having a creative outlet that allows me to feel connected to my family and my culture is such an amazing feeling. I am truly grateful to everyone who supported me and fostered my love of making art.

I do not currently have a permanent physical spot where I sell my beadwork, but I keep my Instagram updated constantly about how to find me, and an Etsy shop may be coming soon!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glitaw_art

Gallery

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