About the artist
Kristy Cameron, a teacher and visual artist, was born and raised in Atikokan, Ontario, the Canoe Capital of Canada. Being raised surrounded by the beauty of the natural world has given her endless subjects to paint, as she observes and researches this environment and its’ inner connections.
As a Métis artist and descendant of numerous fur trade employees, she often incorporates Indigenous and historical content into her art. With this history and culture, we often see spiritual weavings throughout her pieces, which evoke sensations such as, mystery, energy, contentment, and joyfulness. Viewers often contemplate saying, “Every time I look at these paintings, I see something new!” The bright, bold colours are templates for more intricate images that unfurl deeper meanings within meanings.
Kristy’s art can be found in private and public collections, such as, the Archives of Ontario, the Kenora Justice Centre, the Canadian Museum of History, and various school boards and social agencies. She has collaborated with various authors to illustrate books and stories, such as ‘The Seven Sacred Teachings’ and ‘Meet Your Family’. These books have been highly used by educators nationwide.
About the work
In my youth, I spent most of my time out of doors observing and studying plant life and aspects of nature. What I painted was realistic scenes in watercolours and oils. Several years later, I began applying spiritual and cultural elements to my paintings.
I became influenced by the works of Norval Morrisseau, Roy Thomas, and other notables. I particularly appreciated their use of bright, bold colours and simple designs, as well as the spiritual meanings their work conveyed.
As I explored this new style, I integrated various aspects of nature; no longer just recreating it, but interpreting its connection to everything around it. Interpretations of my subjects have constantly evolved. I have continued to incorporate small details using bright acrylic colours on canvas with bold outlines, while branching out to incorporate washes and visible brush strokes.
My paintings convey Indigenous beliefs, stories, and history. Further research into my Métis heritage has opened up various realms of Indigenous subject matter for me, as has collaborating with various Indigenous illustrators and authors in published mediums.
I am continuing to develop new art works by delving into the world of different multi-media and combining various elements and styles.
Curriculum Vitae
Exhibition and Public Presentation History
2023, Kooshkopayiw, Westin Hotel Ballroom, Ottawa, On., group exhibition
2022, NOW, NOW, Thunder Bay Art Gallery, Thunder Bay, On., group exhibition
2021, Storylines, Atikokan Pictograph Gallery, Atikokan, On., solo exhibition
2019, The North NOW: Northern Ontario Juried Exhibition, Thunder Bay Art Gallery, Thunder Bay, On., group exhibition
2018, Earth Journeys, Pictograph Gallery, Atikokan, Ontario, solo exhibition
2017, Converging Lines: Recent Art from the Northwest, Thunder Bay Art Gallery, Thunder Bay, On. group exhibition
2017, The Perspective From Here, Thunder Bay Art Gallery, Thunder Bay, On., group exhibition
2016-2018, Gathering Place, Legislative Building, Queen’s Park, Toronto, On., group exhibition
2015, Konekte taw manier det - Connection to who you are, The Pictograph Gallery, Atikokan, Ontario, duo exhibition
2014, Atikokan Painters: Past and Present, Atikokan Centennial Museum, Atikokan, Ontario, group exhibition
2013, Biindigaate Indigenous Film Festival, Definitely Superior Art Gallery, Thunder Bay, Ontario, group exhibition-2012, Biindigaate Indigenous Film Festival, Paramount Theatre, Thunder Bay, Ontario, group exhibition
2012, Dreamcatcher and the Seven Deceivers, Pictograph Gallery, Atikokan, On, solo exhibition
2012, Beginnings, Red Lake Heritage Centre, Red Lake, Ontario, group exhibition
2010, Celebrating the Creators, Thunder Bay Art Gallery, Thunder Bay, On., group exhibition
2009, Seven Sacred Teachings, Rainy River First Nations Pow Wow Grounds, Ontario, group presentation
2010, Inside Looking Out, Pictograph Gallery, Atikokan, Ontario, solo exhibition
2010, Quetico Centennial Juried Art Exhibition, Pictograph Gallery, Atikokan, Ontario, group exhibition
2007, Metis Nation of Ontario Annual Assembly, Chippewa park, Thunder Bay, Ontario, solo exhibition
2007, Ontario Arts Council/Canada Council for the Arts, Atikokan Intergenerational Arts Centre, Atikokan, Ontario, group exhibition
2005, People’s Choice Exhibition, Pictograph Gallery, Atikokan, Ontario, group exhibition
2004, Eco North Exhibition, Atikokan Intergenerational Arts Centre, Atikokan, On., group exhibition
2001, The Group of Nine, Pictograph Gallery, Atikokan, Ontario, group exhibition
1992, University Art Exhibition, Thunder Bay Art Gallery, Thunder Bay, On., group exhibition
1992, University Art Exhibition, Pictograph Art Gallery, Atikokan, Ontario, group exhibition
Publications
2024, Kevin Locke, Seven Directions, illustrator
2020, David Bouchard, Meet Your Family, illustrator
2019, David Bouchard, We Learn From The Sun, illustrator
2018 Mike Parkhill, Stories of the Past, cover image.
2017, Moving Forward: A Collection About Truth and Reconciliation, paper ed. Louise Halfe-Sky Dancer, ‘Mechanic’, McGraw-Hill Ryerson, illustrator
2016, Duncan Weller, Chronicle Journal, The Art of Kristy Cameron, featured artist
2016, Moving Forward: A Collection About Truth and Reconciliation. McGraw-Hill Education, contributing artist
2013, The Residential School System in Canada: Understanding the Past - Building Hope for Tomorrow, Second Edition. Teachers Guide, Government of Northwest Territories, Government of Nunavut, and the Legacy of Hope Foundation. Yellowknife, NT, Iqaluit, NU, Ottawa, ON, contributing artist
2013, David Bouchard, The Dream Catcher and the Seven Deceivers, illustrator
2012, Andrea Menard, ‘My Medicine Wheel’. iLit-Digital Bank. McGraw-Hill Ryerson, illustrator
2011, Rachel A. Mishenene and Dr. Pamela Rose Toulouse, Strength and Struggle: Perspectives from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples in Canada. McGraw-Hill Ryerson, contributing artist
2010, Brigette Petersen, The Walleye: Thunder Bay’s Art and Culture Alternative, contributing artist
2010, David Bouchard, The Seven Sacred Teachings, illustrator
Logos
Atikokan Metis Council
Northwestern Ontario Metis Community
Mike Ranta
Awards
2010, Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Achievement, Atikokan Intergenerational Arts Centre, Atikokan, Ontario
2008, Awarded First Prize, Quetico Centennial Juried Art Exhibition, Pictograph Gallery, Atikokan, Ontario
2008, People’s Choice Award, Quetico Centennial, Pictograph Gallery, Atikokan, Ontario
2005, Awarded Best of Show, first and second place, Pictograph Gallery, Atikokan, Ontario
2004, Winner of Eco North Contest, Atikokan Intergenerational Arts Centre, Atikokan, Ontario