First Nations artist opens new exhibit Aug. 6

Posted August 03, 2011 11:00 pm

A First Nations artist opens a new exhibit from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6 at the Trickster Gallery, 190 S. Roselle Road in Schaumburg. It will continue through Oct. 22.

Michael Wesley is a registered band member of Constance Lake First Nation (reservation) in northern Ontario, Canada. Constance Lake First Nation has members of Ojibway and Cree ancestry living on and off reserve.

Michael's medium is acrylics. His process starts with drawing his ideas on paper and then painting on canvas. His artistic credits include covers of the Aboriginal Cancer Care Unit's Need Assessment report at Cancer Care Ontario, and the First Nations House, Native Student Handbook at University of Toronto. He was also selected in two group exhibits in Toronto with the Association for the Native Development in the Performing and Visual Arts (ANDPVA).

In addition to his paintings, Michael pursued photography for the purpose of his art, which led to his interest in photography. Michael's photography is based on his interaction and connection with the environment around him.

Michael currently lives and works in Chicago.

ARTIST STATEMENT

My paintings are based on my First Nations heritage which comes through my sleep dreams, visions and stories that reflect the teachings of the elders.

I have been inspired by the Woodland Style art which uses animals and supernatural beings with black lines and bold colors to convey the stories of the Nishnawbe.

Red is often used on my paintings to symbolize power, sacredness and protection. The backgrounds in my paintings have circular patterns to represent the tiny particles I see floating in the air when I stare out into the environment. Some of the materials used on my paintings are modeling paste, gel mediums and tissue papers to create texture, movement and depth.

My photography is another creative part of my existence which is inspired by my life as I see it everyday. It represents my interaction and connection with the environment.

Visit http://mwesley1492.carbonmade.com.

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