Fancy PeterPaul – Mi’kmaq Artist and Painter

Fancy (Andrea) PeterPaul is a Canadian Aboriginal native artist. Her people had long ago settled and lived in a vast expanse between Elsipogtog, Rexton, also called Big Cove. Fancy was born in Boston, Massachusetts. She studied fine arts at the Nova Scotia College of Arts and Design. Her work is influenced by her Mi’kmaq ancestry, the legends and the stories of her people, and the life-styles of the Aboriginal peoples. She now resides in Elsipogtog and paints usually in Atlantic Canada, having returned to the proximity of her roots and ancestry. She had many exhibitions in the Maritimes. Fancy has enhanced her skills in the fine arts program, but had originally learned many skills by literally watching her cousin Roger Simon paint. She was 9 when she watched Roger Simon paint. Being also self-taught has allowed her to develop and enhance her own individual style. Her work often conveys a deep mystic quality through fine detail and pleasant style. Her work could be described as “contemporary native” and ranges from quite traditional to semi-abstract. Her work often features family and family life as she has 6 children. She became part of the Friends United initiative through David Brooks, who told her often about the initiative. Once she received better supplies and a set of glasses through the Friends United initiative, her painting improved significantly. Ever since she has been painting full time.