Land Amongst Me
CreateSpace Public Art Forum 2022
An artistic response to the 2022 CreateSpace Public Art Forum, a national forum virtually convening participants who identify as Black, Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), racialized, rural and/or youth with disabilities and between the ages of 18-25. Participants were presented with online talks themed around public art practices, studio tours by artist facilitators, a Keynote Event by artist Lori Blondeau, and opportunities to engage with fellow peers to inspire their final creations.
Project at a Glance
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Artist: Shay (Shaylene) Picard
Year: 2022
Program: Artist Capacity Building
45
CreateSpace participants
10
artist facilitators
1
keynote speaker
Artist Statement
I decided to create a design that felt magical and spiritual because of my background being Métis. I wanted to acknowledge all the indigenous peoples traditions and work they put out into the universe. The land we walk is the land they fought for to protect. It’s so important to me to be connected to earth and the elements because of my roots.
About the Artist
Shay (Shaylene) Picard
I’m Shaylene Picard, a Métis 24 year old artist from Winnipeg, Manitoba. I’m a self taught artist and have been creating artwork since I was a young child. Throughout high school I was always interested in art and would often spend my time in the art room which then led to me taking graphic design at Red River College. Some of the mediums I enjoy using are gouache/acrylic and illustration pens. I love to paint nature, the universe and my dreams. Nature is a huge inspiration for me and my creations.
CreateSpace Public Art Forum
STEPS Public Art believes public art has the ability to challenge the systemic inequities that exist in public space. In support of this important work, we facilitate artist capacity building programs that foster inclusive public art practices, build the capacity of underrepresented artists, and demonstrate how public art can help reimagine equitably designed cities.
CreateSpace Public Art Forum is a digital forum that virtually convenes participants who identify as Black, Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), racialized, rural and/or youth with disabilities and between the ages of 18-25. This forum fosters connections, builds understanding across geographies and cultures, as well as provide emerging equity-seeking artists with the skills, relationships and support needed to develop public art practices. Visit the online gallery to view all artistic responses by the 2022 forum participants.
CreateSpace Public Art Forum is supported by Canadian Heritage, Canada Council for the Arts and CIBC.
