Artist Statement for Etuaptmumk

Anwen Durant is Métis Cree and believes that art is a creative way for them to tell stories, connect with their culture, and explore new ideas.

“I have a passion for art and creativity and I think others can see themselves through the expressions of my work. I can also teach people different ways of seeing things through art and if it helps one person then that is success.

“I collect all sorts of things because I can turn anything into an art project. I love listening to music when I am creating as it helps guide my energy and my art often reflects the type of music I am listening to.”

Artist Biography

As an Oskâpêwis (Cree: ceremonial helper) Anwen believes staying connected to her ancestors and listening to Elders and knowledge holders is important. Anwen’s love and connection to the strong women in her family are represented by the footprints. The splattering of paint channels the Northern Lights as she watches her ancestors dance across the sky. Anwens worlds are strengthened by Mother Earth and her beautiful medicines. Mother Earth and Father sky have no beginning and no end. Together they represent love, family, strength, guidance, growth, culture and movement as medicine which can be intertwined in one phrase: All My Relations.