|
I guess it would be like camping on the moon
Acrylic on gallery canvas (15-015) 36" x 54" $7225. plus tax |
|
Cranberries Oil on gallery canvas (15-005) 8" x 8" $300. plus tax |
Nathalie Bertin is a multi-disciplinary artist from Toronto, Ontario, Canada with documented roots in Michilimackinac & Nipissing. She is of Métis, French, and Omàmiwininiwak (a.k.a. Algonquin) ancestry. Bertin is a member of the Waawaashkeshi (Deer Clan). Bertin’s painting style is often described as luminescent, energetic, bold and colourful. A self-confessed “colour junkie,” she is inspired by the way light filters through stained glass windows, the layering of colours in printing processes, Woodland artists and the northern European masters. Nathalie’s beadwork style combines traditional designs from her various ancestry, creating a style unique to her identity. She also mixes other mediums such as silk embroidery, quills and fish scales in innovative ways. As a whole, her beadwork has a contemporary feel with a distinct nod to those who came before her.
Bertin’s current body of work focuses on positive images of indigenous people as a means of confronting their romanticized depictions as seen throughout art history. She focuses especially on the women role models who have had an impact on her. Her aim is to present a different view of indigenous people—one that is positive, powerful, knowledgeable, gentle and kind.
Several of Bertin’s projects are also inspired by traditional storytelling. In 2018, Bertin was awarded an Ontario Arts Council project grant for the creation of a series of beaded "Moccushions©" that interpret traditional stories for future generations. The project led to her self-publishing her bilingual book “Loup Garou, Mocassins and Metis Folklore / Loup Garou, moccasins et folklore metis” in 2020.
Previously, some of Bertin’s story illustrations about the northern lights were reproduced by the Royal Canadian Mint on collector coins in 2013, 2014 and 2015. She was also selected to design a special coin series on the Seven Grandfather Teachings which she obtained overwhelming support for from her Anishinaabe kin, friends and elders.
In 2012, Nathalie Bertin created and curated “This is My Song: Perspectives from Contemporary Native Women” at The Art Space, Huntsville, Ontario. The exhibition introduced contemporary indigenous artists and set up a forum for discussion to bridge the gap between indigenous and non-indigenous people. Continuing in this vein, in 2014, Bertin curated “Indigenesse” at The Aurora Cultural Centre, Aurora, Ontario. From the Artists Statement: "Indiginesse is a culmination by valiant, contemporary Native women artists working to offer healing, education, and to inform all communities. May this exhibition bring greater compassion, understanding, health, and peace as we all seek to offer responsible caring towards all of our many communities."
These curatorial experiences continue to push Nathalie to develop community based projects. In 2020, Bertin co-created “Breathe. A collection of traditionally crafted masks demonstrating resiliency through 21st century pandemic” with friend and artisan Lisa Shepherd. The project started as a Facebook group for the purpose of helping artists work through emotions brought on pandemic. It has been featured in three CBC articles, a CBC Arts documentary and exhibitions booked throughout Canada until 2023.
In addition to many book illustration and commercial art projects, Nathalie Bertin’s art can also be found in collections of the Government of Canada, Governments of Manitoba and Alberta, corporate organizations and private collectors across Canada, the U.S. and Europe.
Bertin’s current body of work focuses on positive images of indigenous people as a means of confronting their romanticized depictions as seen throughout art history. She focuses especially on the women role models who have had an impact on her. Her aim is to present a different view of indigenous people—one that is positive, powerful, knowledgeable, gentle and kind.
Several of Bertin’s projects are also inspired by traditional storytelling. In 2018, Bertin was awarded an Ontario Arts Council project grant for the creation of a series of beaded "Moccushions©" that interpret traditional stories for future generations. The project led to her self-publishing her bilingual book “Loup Garou, Mocassins and Metis Folklore / Loup Garou, moccasins et folklore metis” in 2020.
Previously, some of Bertin’s story illustrations about the northern lights were reproduced by the Royal Canadian Mint on collector coins in 2013, 2014 and 2015. She was also selected to design a special coin series on the Seven Grandfather Teachings which she obtained overwhelming support for from her Anishinaabe kin, friends and elders.
In 2012, Nathalie Bertin created and curated “This is My Song: Perspectives from Contemporary Native Women” at The Art Space, Huntsville, Ontario. The exhibition introduced contemporary indigenous artists and set up a forum for discussion to bridge the gap between indigenous and non-indigenous people. Continuing in this vein, in 2014, Bertin curated “Indigenesse” at The Aurora Cultural Centre, Aurora, Ontario. From the Artists Statement: "Indiginesse is a culmination by valiant, contemporary Native women artists working to offer healing, education, and to inform all communities. May this exhibition bring greater compassion, understanding, health, and peace as we all seek to offer responsible caring towards all of our many communities."
These curatorial experiences continue to push Nathalie to develop community based projects. In 2020, Bertin co-created “Breathe. A collection of traditionally crafted masks demonstrating resiliency through 21st century pandemic” with friend and artisan Lisa Shepherd. The project started as a Facebook group for the purpose of helping artists work through emotions brought on pandemic. It has been featured in three CBC articles, a CBC Arts documentary and exhibitions booked throughout Canada until 2023.
In addition to many book illustration and commercial art projects, Nathalie Bertin’s art can also be found in collections of the Government of Canada, Governments of Manitoba and Alberta, corporate organizations and private collectors across Canada, the U.S. and Europe.
|
The gallery’s primary focus is on both emerging and mid-career artists, with a bold, ambitious, and forward-thinking programme dedicated to progressive and thought-provoking art.
|