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Raymond
Michell's ancestral heritage is Swampy Cree and Ojibway (Chippewa).
He maintains both of his traditions in his geometric and floral designs.
He also leans towards the contemporary, maintaining that society is
ever changing. He expresses himself though pottery, leather, beadwork,
quills, and clothing.
Grandmothers
and Grandfathers
For
it is where history comes from. These 4 pieces of art were made
from clay, feathers, fur and leather. Everything that put these
beautiful pieces of work together, were either found or given
to him, all except the clay.
Raymond
started doing this approximately 10 years ago when he met two
archaeologists who showed him some of the artifacts they had discovered,
which happened to be pottery.
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 Raymond
said that once he saw the ancient artifacts he was instantly inspired
and interested in how they were made, when they were made, and
why they were made. Upon that, Raymond started studying and learning
about the history of clay work. Raymond likes the fact that once
you start on a piece of clay, and mould it, you have to finish
it right away, unlike painting or beadwork, where it can take
days or even months to complete the project.
Since
then, he has donated a clay bowl to the government, which is now
on display at the Rio de Janeiro Airport.
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Pottery is a relatively new medium for Raymond Michell. The style has
long been lost, but thanks to some archeologists who have graciously
shared their knowledge, and through some personal research, he has been
able to share this art form with others who appreciate it. The pottery
was traditionally hand-made and some of its shards were discovered in
the areas of the Woodlands and Plains.
The pots have been carbon-dated from 500-2000 years old. The shape and
form are original and the colouring comes from such uses as cooking,
carrying water, and storage. Very few were found intact since most of
the First Nations were nomadic. The traditional design was simple and
practical to reflect this lifestyle. The beauty of the simple form and
decoration of his pottery inspire the artist. When he holds a completed
work, it takes him back into a time, to the Grandfathers and Grandmothers
with a sense of being home.
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