IFind me at http://metisartist.com

The greatest expressions of art are those which transcend the barriers of time and delve  into the unlimited depth of  our true nature. Thus, the loving essence of spirit draws   inspiration on the canvas of the soul.  It reaches past the depths of despair and imprints the seeds of hope, beauty, and  peace.  It nourishes the  spirit of family unity, kinship, strength and home.We are after all loving creations of our creator. To be  creative is to honor ourselves, our elders and the great spirit.

I am reminded by this quote of Louis Riel "My people shall sleep for a Hundred years and when they awake again it will be the artists that give them their spirit back".

The spirit of our ancestors speak and we need to listen with the ear of our hearts.  Feel with the eyes of our souls and awaken  to the root of our spirits.  Its time to awaken and reclaim our Metis culture.

My name is Laura-Ann Le Claire and I was born in Brandon Manitoba but spent most of my childhood in Regina Saskatchewan.  I have family ties all across Canada and into the United States. However, most of my immediate family members still reside in the historical Métis Prairie Provinces. I married and moved to England UK but returned to Canada in 2006 where I now reside in Calgary Alberta.

I began my journey in early 2007 experimenting with simple acrylics on canvas. It has since then evolved to a deep love of Mixed Media and Assemblage pieces. I love painting with delicious vibrant colors and deep rich textures. An important aspect in my planned future  works will focus on the area of Batoche, metis culture, our people and issues.

I was encouraged to draw and paint by my Uncle Clarence, Métis leader and visionary of the Clarence Campeau Economic Development Fund of Saskatchewan. One of my earliest memories He would often visit and on those occasions I never failed to have him drawing a picture. He was a very talented artist but I do not believe many were aware of his artistic talent.

My grandmother (a strong Metis Woman) played a very special role in developing my interests as well, from teaching me how to bead moccasin vamps, sewing leather to crocheting.I would listen intently to her stories of childhood life,  Métis culture and views on those involved in Métis issues and politics. She told it like she saw it!

You will also find on my pages sections of writing. I  will share a few random thoughts, inspirations, poems or a blurb on my artist blog. I struggle to write but I try my best to convey what I think or feel on a given day. I plan on comprising an art book one day that will be a combination of my art and written poems.