Loretta Gould – Mi’kmaq Painter and Quilter

Loretta Gould is a Mi’kmaq painter and quilter from We’koqma’q First Nation in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. A self-taught artist, she is known for vivid colours, spiritual imagery, and paintings that express connections between family, nature, culture, and the living world.

About Loretta Gould

Portrait of Mi’kmaq artist Loretta Gould featured by Friends United, known for symbolic paintings inspired by spirituality and nature.

Loretta Gould – Artist Biography

Loretta Gould is a Mi’kmaq quilter/painter who loves bright, beautiful colours. She was born in 1976 and raised in Waycobah First Nation by her parents Annie Catherine (Katie) and Joseph Googoo. Loretta became a quilter for about 10 years after she had seen a quilt in a mall. She loved the quilt very much, but couldn’t afford it. Therefore she decided to try to make a quilt and began to manufacture art quilts on a professional level. She was making a full time living through her art quilts. Loretta’s sewing machine broke in 2013 and she was encouraged to try also painting by Rolf Bouman, who had previously purchased some of her quilts. She has been painting ever since full time and is now one of the prominent Mik’maq artist. She sold her paintings world wide, especially in Europe and North America. Loretta’s vision is to share the messages of her paintings with the world. Loretta’s art is her special way to express her spiritual feelings on canvas. Her husband Elliot draws for her at times and also paints from time to time, then Loretta adding her finishing touches. Lorettas family is a good example of a family unity working together. Loretta self-taught herself with both, quilting and painting, also being inspired by Friends United artist Jay Bell Redbird. She uses cotton fabrics with her quilts and acrylic medium paints for her canvas. Loretta and her husband Elliot have been teaching jointly their daughter Shianne, who is also an artist of the Friends United initiative.

Paintings by Loretta Gould

Loretta Gould’s paintings are recognized for their vivid colours, flowing forms, and spiritual symbolism. Animals, birds, people, and elements of the natural world often appear within interconnected compositions that reflect strength, gratitude, family, and respect for life.

The selected works below offer a view into the visual language through which Loretta shares personal and spiritual messages on canvas.

Work, Family, and Artistic Legacy

Loretta Gould’s artistic practice developed through quilting before expanding into painting. Her work is closely connected to family, shared creativity, and the passing of artistic knowledge between generations.

Her husband, Elliot, has contributed drawings and paintings to their creative process, with Loretta adding her own finishing work. Together, Loretta and Elliot also encouraged and taught their daughter Shianne Gould, who became a Friends United artist in her own right.

Loretta’s artistic relationship with her daughter is also reflected in their shared Friends United collaboration, where family, spirituality, and storytelling connect their individual approaches to painting.

More from Friends United

Supporting Indigenous Artists

Learn how Friends United supports Indigenous artists, creates opportunities for their work to be seen, and builds relationships through art, culture, and reconciliation. Discover how you can help support their work.

Supporting Indigenous Artists through Friends United