Art
Bringing the art of birchbark biting back into the light
Pat Bruderer’s mind goes blank when she buries her teeth into her art.
That’s because her canvas and design implements are unconventional: she creates intricate designs on birchbark by biting indentations into thin layers of the material, a process she finds healing, said the member of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation located in northern Saskatchewan.
“You can’t think about the problems you’ve had last week,” she told CBC Radio’s Ottawa Morning. “You can only think about the moment and make your mind blank to be able to channel and transfer that image onto the bark.”
Indigenous artists and craftspeople from across Canada, including Bruderer, were in town last week for two events, the Women’s Art Conference at the Canadian Museum of History, and this weekend’s Indigenous Art Marketplace at the St. Laurent Mall.
First Nations across Canada used birchbark to make containers and canoes dating back centuries.
Bruderer, also known as Half Moon Woman, is a knowledge keeper and one of the few practitioners of the reclaimed art form, once nearly lost to time.
“Using my teeth as a tool and biting the image onto the bark,” she said, “I use my eye teeth so I can see what I’m doing.”
Wants to pass down knowledge
Her love of the style was first sparked 30 years ago after seeing a piece of birchbark-biting art, also known as birch bark transparencies, made by Angelique Merasty Levac, of British Columbia.
“It was absolutely beautiful,” Bruderer said. “And the first thing I thought is, ‘Wow, I could never do that.’ But the only thing that stops you in life from doing anything is yourself.”
Self-taught, Bruderer now wants to pass her knowledge down and is teaching her daughter, Raeanna Sinclair, also known as Morning Star.
Sinclair said she’s practised the form for approximately 25 years but still considers herself an apprentice.
“I haven’t mastered bees yet. I’m really good at flowers,” her daughter said. “But I can’t do anything complex like my mother.”
Ottawa Morning7:08Birch Bark Biting artist
Pat Bruderer of Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation creates intricate designs on thin layers of birch bark one bite at a time. Hallie Cotnam caught up with the artist ahead of this weekend’s Indigenous Women’s Art Conference and the Indigenous Art Marketplace.
Still, Sinclair hopes it’s knowledge she’ll one day share with others.
“I just love the resurgence in birchbark biting, and I love that I can be a part of the resurgence,” she said. “And maybe even pass down to like, my children, [my] children’s children like and other children, too.”
Bruderer said choosing the right kind of bark, from the tree of the right size, colour and with few or no knots, may take a whole day. She said many people don’t realize that the peeled-away layers of birchbark are translucent — and when held up to light “takes you to a whole different world.”
Having helped brought the art form back into the light, she said it’s up to future generations to continue the tradition.
“What everybody strives for is to leave their footprint,” she said. “And I think I’ve left my tooth print.”
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The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”
On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”
The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.
Blaze in the West Wing
The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.
About Somerset House
Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.
Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.
Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.
Sudbury’s annual art and music festival is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its long-standing impact on the local cultural scene. The festival, which has grown from a small community event to a major celebration of creativity, brings together artists, musicians, and visitors from across the region for a weekend of vibrant performances and exhibitions.
The event features a diverse range of activities, from live music performances to art installations, workshops, and interactive exhibits that highlight both emerging and established talent. This year’s milestone celebration will also honor the festival’s history by showcasing some of the artists and performers who have contributed to its success over the years.
Organizers are excited to see how the festival has evolved, becoming a cornerstone of Sudbury’s cultural landscape. “This festival is a celebration of creativity, community, and the incredible talent we have here in Sudbury,” said one of the event’s coordinators. “It’s amazing to see how it has grown and the impact it continues to have on the arts community.”
With this year’s milestone celebration, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a full lineup of exciting events, workshops, and performances that will inspire and engage attendees of all ages.
The festival’s milestone is not just a reflection of its past success but a celebration of the continued vibrancy of Sudbury’s arts scene.
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