Artwork

Below are a few pieces I've created that have been displayed at various art exhibits and shows around the Calgary area. I work in a variety of mixed mediums that range from acrylic paint on canvas to tapestries and beadwork.

Below the artwork, I've included additional samples of my beadwork, embroidery, tufting and creations using wolf willow (silverberry) seeds.

Remnants

Traces of our past are all around us, in our histories, culture, traditions, education, language, families, and relationships. Each piece is only a small part of the story about who we are, both as an individual and a community. Remnants are not just what is left behind but are the pieces that create a picture of who we are today.

This tapestry is layered with the texture and colour of six HBC blanket remnants graciously shared by other capote designers within the Métis community. Constructed of blanket scraps, fallen branches, naturally shed antler, caribou hair, and end-of-season wolf willow seeds, the depicted scene of the wild rose is intended to show we all grow in our own way and are more than the individual pieces that make up the picture.

Mixed Medium tapestry. Previously displayed at: From the Land: Indigenous Ecological Art show, Calgary; and Truth & Reconciliation Exhibition, Calgary.

©Amber Boyd, 2021

Medicine Keeper Capote

Growing up, I was always running through the bush, picking flowers and eating berries on my grandmother’s acreage. I guess I’ve always been drawn to herbal remedies and medicines, and early in my career, I was even a medic. Many of our medicines are found along local hiking trails. It’s not until we are introduced and taught about each medicine plant that we learn of their hidden abilities to heal. I thank members of my community for taking the time to introduce me to some of the medicines found here in southern Alberta.

This capote design was originally created as a teaching tool and is a newish take on our traditional garment with its pull-through finger-woven wool sash. All the embroidered and beaded flowers on the collar and inside of the sleeves are of our traditional medicines. These floral designs first started as sketches and then were embroidered or beaded one by one to the HBC blanket. Like a book, the capote must be opened to learn more about the medicines and how they were used traditionally. Some of the plants seen on this capote include Saskatoon berry, bitterroot, wild rose, yarrow, blazing star, and blue flax, but there are many more. If viewers would like to learn more about Indigenous medicines, I recommend reading Christi Belcourt’s book, Medicines to Help Us.

Previously displayed at: Truth and Reconciliation Exhibition, Calgary.

©Amber Boyd, 2021

A Reason to Celebrate

When a mother holds her child for the first time, it’s a joyous moment that ignites her journey into motherhood and a series of firsts for the child as they grow. This painting of the first jig between a mother and child sparks with joy. The mother’s happiness drips through her right down to the tips of her hair and the sway in her step.

Mixed Medium: Acrylic pour and acrylic paint on canvas.

Previously displayed at: Indigenous Motherhood and Matriarchy exhibition, Calgary.

©Amber Boyd, 2021

Learning to Bead

My aunt taught me to embroider when I was little, but I didn’t pick up beading until 40 years later. I learned to sew beaded flowers with a flower pin kit I bought from our Métis Elder, Doreen Bergum. Beading takes patience. Nothing is rushed, as a piece can only be made by adding one bead at a time. After making several small beaded flowers, I designed and made my first necklace. While I’ve made many beaded pieces, my favourite is still this first necklace with all its perfect imperfections sewn in.

Medium: Photography. Previously displayed at: Mino-Pimatisiwin: Reclaiming the "Good Life”, Calgary.

©Amber Boyd, 2020

Medicine Flower #1

Traditional medicine swirls within the petals, hidden from view. Learning about our traditional medicines is a privilege and honour.

Mixed Medium: Acrylic pour and acrylic paint on canvas.

Previously displayed at: Métis Crossing

©Amber Boyd, 2022

Medicine Flower #2

Traditional medicine swirls within the petals, hidden from view. Learning about our traditional medicines is a privilege and honour.

Mixed Medium: Acrylic pour and acrylic paint on canvas.

Previously displayed at: the Truth and Reconciliation Exhibition, Calgary.

©Amber Boyd, 2022

Painted Feather

I’m reminded each time I write a cultural story that I paint tales with the colours of my past. The more I learn about my Métis culture, heritage and background, the more stories my mind (and pen) have to share.

Medium: Acrylic pour on canvas.

Previously displayed at: Truth & Reconciliation Exhibition, Calgary.

Here are a few of the pieces I've made under the Métis Spirit Designs brand. Of course, there are plenty more unique items that I've made over the years that aren't seen here, but these pictures show a variety of the items and types of materials I use in my creations.