A few years ago my late sister in law Jane Julian took a quillcourse in Paq’tnkek, Antigonish County in turn she taught me. I have always been intrigued and passionate about what our ancestors did in terms of artisitic expression. So the opportunity allowed me the chance to learn this wonderful gift.
As Mik’maq women and men we don’t always use the Traditional Knowledge that we have or do we pass it down to the next generation. It’s vital that we do share our knowledge with others because if we don’t then this information will be lost, perhaps forever.
I consider myself a self taught artist, I draw mostly in pencil. The combination of pencil drawing and quill work are used together so I can express myself.
I look to our past to help me with my future. Here are some of my recent works
I am very eager to have you showcase your work as well as putting on demonstrations of quillwork during our Gathering this year on August 13-15th/2010 , the millbrook pow wow is going to be located at 945 willow street behind keith’s gas bar.
continue the great work that you do!
Hi Beverly:
Recently read your article in Mi’kmaq Maliseet Nation news. Looked at your website and wanted to know if you do custom orders? I have a cedar pipe stem that I would like to have done using porcupine quills. If interested I could send you a picture. All the best in 2011.
P.S. We have one of your pieces of work in Listuguj.
Mark
I am a grade 10 student at Citadel High School in Halifax. I am currently taking a course called Mi’kmaq Studies. For our final individual projects we are asked to research an aspect of Mi’kmaq culture that interests us and then present our findings to the class. For my individual research project, I decided to research the uses and art of porcupine quillwork. During my initial research into this topic, I discovered that as a quillwork artisan, you have taught classes on the art of porcupine quillwork. I am not only interested in the history of the art but also the practice of it as well. I would be very interested in talking with you further to explore these interests.
hi there susan . i have sent you an email.. thanks for visiting the site .. bev
thanks ryan . you did an amazing job .