Narcisse, le P’tit Voyageur: A Tale by Métis Knowledge Holder Louise Vien, 2020
Glass and wood beads, silk embroidery, fur scraps, Melton cloth, deer hide, cotton thread, sinew
10” x 10” x 3”
Featured in the exhibition 'Loup Garou & Moccasins: Nathalie Bertin' at the Craft Ontario Gallery, April 29 - June 17, 2023.
This piece is part of the artist's project that serves to introduce the Métis culture through a series of “moccushions”—cushions created in the model of the Métis style moccasin—that interpret traditional stories drawn from Métis families across Ontario. Their construction is made with a variety of leather, fur, wool, embroidery and various beads chosen specifically for the tale. In addition to interpreting a traditional tale, they show us some things about distinct Métis art styles.
About 'Narcisse, le P’tit Voyageur: A Tale by Métis Knowledge Holder Louise Vien,': Competitive rivalry was common among the Voyageurs. For the tiny Narcisse, it would be especially important to him to prove himself as being a worthy and capable fur trader. However, it was on his return with a full canoe, that his vanity for showing off his great skills would get him into trouble.
Nathalie Bertin is a multidisciplinary visual artist from Toronto of French, Métis, and Algonquin heritage. She currently lives near the shores of Lake Nosbonsing (near North Bay). Nathalie worked as a graphic designer in print, publishing and advertising for over 20 years before deciding to pursue her true love of creating art in 2009. Not content with just one medium, she expresses herself through painting, illustration, photography, and a variety of traditional crafts.
Nathalie has had her illustrations struck on collector coins for the Royal Canadian Mint and has illustrated several children's books for Nelson Education. She has presented her work in solo and group exhibitions, has curated exhibitions, and is the co-creator of 'Breathe: A Collection of Traditional Masks Demonstrating Resilience in the Face of the 21st Century Pandemic' to help artists work through the emotions of the pandemic.
Nathalie's work is included in the collections of the Government of Canada, Manitoba and Alberta; the Royal Ontario Museum; and private collectors in Canada, the US, and Europe.