Alcove Lobby

From digital painting on a computer or tablet, to oil or even acrylic paints on canvas, I have discovered my “style” using digital painting as a starting point which is then printed onto canvas and then finished with oil paints. The glazing and painting of oils over digital pixels on canvas creates a juxtaposition of expression that I personally feel fully asserts my artistic vision. I enjoy juxtaposing traditional teachings and imagery with bright vivid colour palettes that evoke a futuristic tone. As a child of the internet age, I enjoy applying my artistic skills to modern and pop culture imagery while tying to back to traditional knowledge as a Blackfoot person. It is my personal endeavour to unify the traditional with the modern to rectify a lack of representation of Indigenous peoples in modern pop culture.

Overall, my artistic practice has come from a lifetime of exploration that started with only access to pens and a lined yellow notepad from my grandmother’s kitchen. Moving to the city of Calgary from the reserve as a child, I was exposed to new knowledge of the arts and possible futures I could now consider within my reach that were not there before. My time at AU Arts is where I fully embraced design and illustration using digital mediums. I would not have had access to these mediums where it not for the decision to move and attend school in the city. I hope to continue to give back to my community through my artistic practice and programming so that the youth on and off reserve can be exposed to what bright futures in the arts they can strive for.

Kristy North Peigan