Visitors at the Alexander Graham Bell Museum view the Indigenous art of Mi’kmaw artists Darren and Amanda Julian, of Wagmatcook First Nation, and Loretta and Shianne Gould, of We’koqma’q First Nation.
September 6, 2023
-by Bill Dunphy
The work of four Mi’kmaw artists is brightening the halls of the Alexander Graham Bell Museum this summer and into the fall.
The Indigenous art show, which is sponsored by Victoria County Arts Council in partnership with Friends United, includes two We’koqma’q First Nation artists – Loretta Gould and her daughter Shianne Gould; and two artists from Wagmatcook First Nation – husband and wife Darren and Amanda Julian.
Darren Julian started painting as a teenager, inspired by his artist father James Julian.
The subjects he enjoys painting include faces, people, sceneries, and animals. He has developed his own spiritual style, telling stories of the Mi’kmaq people through his artwork.
Amanda and Darren have been happily married for more than 10 years – encouraging, inspiring, and supporting each other in all aspects of their lives.
Amanda has been an artist for most of her life. She paints with acrylic, using a soft colour palette in her own unique style. Her inspiration comes from her dreams and the beautiful nature and culture that surround her.
Loretta Gould is a quilter and a painter who loves bright, beautiful colours.
The daughter of Catherine and Joseph Googoo, she successfully created art quilts on a professional level, but was encouraged by Friends United founder Rolf Bauman to try painting. Since then she has become a prominent Mi’kmaq artist with sales worldwide.
Her art is her way of expressing her spiritual feelings on canvas, with each painting containing a message she wants to share.
Loretta works with acrylics and has found inspiration in the art of fellow Friends United artist Jay Bell Redbird.
Having artists for parents (Loretta and her husband Elliot) it’s no surprise that Shianne Gould has been painting since her childhood.
Many of Shianne’s paintings relate to family and the relationship with Mother Earth. Like her mother, she prefers vivid, vibrant colours for her work.
“This is the third year the Victoria County Arts Council, with support of the Bell Museum and its staff, have displayed local art at the museum,” said council member Athol Grant in an email.
“The museum art wall is a great opportunity to support local artists and showcase their talents. We are always interested in finding and showcasing new artists.”
Comments and suggestions are welcome. You can contact Grant at 902-295-1128 or Bob Hill at 902-295-9008.
The show is continuing until the end of the season, October 30th. Hours of operation at the museum are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. For more information on these artists and their work, you can reach the Julians at 902-295-1956 and the Goulds at 902-296-0044.
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