A FAMILY REIMAGINED COIN PURSE
Original First Nations Canadian Design by Anishinaabe Artist Cody Houle
Growing up with intergenerational trauma and colonialism, Houle felt shame and guilt about being native; now, hid art allows him to show pride and strength in being an Indigenous man.
For him, paintings are teachings as long as one is open to learning the stories shared; great artists from the past can be mentors for the next generation of visionaries; works available for study feature techniques and stylized choices that unavoidably provide lessons in art and philosophy. Houle believes it is important to share art to inspire hope and encourages anyone (especially youth!) to create for the sake of creating; to express themselves and give their expression to their lives because Indigenous life is art!