Project Description
Halina Stopyra – Jay Bell Redbird
Since a young age I have been drawn towards the healing arts. This natural inclination has led me into a career as physiotherapist and artist. I have been inspired and influenced by folk tales, myths and stories and in those I have found a profoundly healing and transformative power which drives my creative work. Together with my partner Jay Bell Redbird we are blissfully painting in our studio in Toronto and Cape Breton. I met Rolf Bouman through my partner Jay and even thou I am not of First Nations origin, Rolf purchase much of my artwork as I concentrate on First Nations subjects, mainly painting people and their connection to nature. On many occasions I have collaborated with my partner Jay in order to create meaningful First Nations paintings.
Jay Bell Redbird is an Ojibway First Nation self-taught artist.Growing up, he was influenced by world-renowned artist like Norval Morrisseau, his uncle Leland Bell and his father Duke Redbird. As a teenager, Norval Morrisseau talked to Jay about colours and their meanings and how they relate to Aboriginal language, history and culture. Jay’s uncle Leland Bell showed him techniques and shared traditional teachings and stories, explaining the meanings of the animal spirit. His father Duke Redbird taught him how to express his pride as an Aboriginal artist. Following those format years, he continued to paint, learning more and finding his own voice in stories and visions that he shared through his paintings. They are vibrant in colours, stories and meanings. Jay has collectors in Germany, Scotland, Czech Republic, England, USA and China. In Canada he has collectors in various universities, colleges, schools, daycares, in films and magazines.
