A FAMILY REIMAGINED CARDHOLDER

Original First Nations Canadian Design by Anishinaabe artist Cody Houle

Raised in an unsafe home in the small military city of North Bay, Ontario, Houle had to generate his own sense of security and sustain his survival through a deeply intimate connection to nature and his heart’s desire to create something meaningful in this life.

 Growing up with intergenerational trauma and colonialism, Houle felt shame and guilt about being Native; now, his 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 expression to their lives because Indigenous life is art!