Witness of Creation
Nuin-Tara
Star Daughter Woman ᓄᐃᓐᑕᕋ
Cree of James Bay, Nogojiwanong
Star Daughter Woman Nuin-Tara ᓄᐃᓐᑕᕋ, James Bay Cree, from Nogojiwanong (Peterborough) Michi Saagiig Treaty 20 Territory ON Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ land Nuin-Tara is a Cree artist living in Nogojiwanong that mainly paints pieces that tell stories of the land and her reconnection journey to her culture.
She has taught youth and adult beginner art courses at the Art School of Peterborough since 2019 and participated in local community art projects, including the Renaissance on Hunter Road Mural Project, and Downtown Business Association initiatives such as Patio Picnic Tables and a Canoe Paddle for local business and organizations.
She is actively learning her cultural teachings through other indigenous artists, learning beadwork and using this as her direct inspiration for her paintings and why she considers it Medicine Art. Her work is held in private collectors locally, across Turtle Island and internationally.
About Witness of Creation
Witness of Creation is a “walk with the animal”. As we walk and take in nature we are surrounded by our animal kin who we are walking amongst and gathering in their habitat.
Turtle encircles the traffic signal cabinets and electrical boxes. To get the full visual effect and for the gradients of colour and design to read as Turtle, the viewer must walk around the box.
My work is influenced by the woodland school. In Witness of Creation, I use large shapes and variety of colours and tones within my design to enhance the spirit of the animal. Gradients of colour and shapes in the background can be perceived as movement of water.
My hope is to capture the spirit of our animal kin and the spirit within ourselves as we gather together amongst the animals. As we walk and connect with different spaces we can feel what makes us relatives.
– Nuin-Tara ᓄᐃᓐᑕᕋ, 2024
