Painting from Two Spirit Anishnaabe artist Hannah Sage LaForme hangs in Lake Superior Study.
The artist behind a new work of art on display in the Lake Superior Study at the University of Niagara Falls Canada fittingly found their inspiration in water.
Earlier this year, UNF issued a call to Indigenous artists asking them to submit proposals. The downtown university was looking to commission a piece of art to display on campus. The selection committee, comprising university staff and Indigenous stakeholders, chose a design from Hannah Sage LaForme, a Niagara-based Two Spirit Anishnaabe artist and member of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (Michi Saagig Anishnaabeg).
The piece, ‘Honouring the Waters’, was inspired by their love of water, floral patterns, spirit, and the movement of elements. LaForme’s art often incorporates the Seven Grandfather Teachings while honouring water, ancestors, and all humans inhabiting Turtle Island. This piece, they said, is one that represents community. The result is a beautiful Woodland Art painting featuring wolves, salmon, women, and elements from nature.
LaForme, who works in the archaeology field, originally started painting to help heal their generational trauma and as a way to help them see the beauty of their culture again. LaForme grew up disconnected from who they are due to the trauma from Canada’s residential school system that runs deep in their family. Several of their family members survived the government-sponsored religious schools created to assimilate Indigenous children into Euro-Canadian culture.
“The culture was taken from us, but we are rewriting our story. I am writing mine through art,” LaForme said.
Their work has been featured in the “Our Stories” exhibit at the First Ontario Arts Centre, and in the Toronto offices of Telus.
“I love bringing spirit to life for everyone to admire. I love inspiring other Indigenous people to dream big,” said LaForme.
This is the second piece of art UNF has commissioned from a Niagara-based artist this year through a public request for proposals process. Earlier this year, Niagara Falls illustrator Meghan Cade painted a vibrant mural that serves as a focal point in the Lake Ontario Lounge on the first floor of the university’s Queen Street campus.
“We’re happy to be able to support local Niagara artists and showcase their amazing work on our campus,” said Cyndi McLeod, UNF President and CEO of Global University Systems Canada “Both paintings we’ve commissioned for UNF are beautiful pieces of work and the fact they were created by artists in our community makes them all the more special.”
