Artist's Statement:

My immediate environment has been a significant factor in the contemplation that inspires my work. Being First Nations (Ojibway) in an urban setting has created challenges. The history of my reserve and my family have shaped my ideas of who I am. Personal exploration of 'self' and possessing a space whether familiar or new are the ideas explored in my paintings. My relationship with different physical landscapes and the memories of growing up on a reserve have deeply influenced my work to date. Living in urban settings and being educated from a European perspective has brought me to closely examine what it means to be a First Nations artist in the contemporary art world. Meshing the two worlds together is what I continue to explore in my work.

tjbaker@tvl.com
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