Manitoba Aboriginal Artsit Archive

Larry is an Ojibway carver from the Sagkeeng First Nation. He has been drawing and painting for about 20 years. He started carving when Sagkeeng Furniture opened its doors in the mid 70's. When the furniture business shut down, Larry continued his own work. "I feel that there's something there that people would like to see."

Image Loading... "I see those images that I create. A lot of my work is based on spirituality. I was brought up in a boarding school and lost identity with my culture. For the past ten years, I have been relearning who I am and what my culture is. Most of my carvings act as a guide for me. Most of what I create, I see in my mind. Once I have it down, then I see more clearly what is coming out. When others see the work and they understand it, that's a good feeling - this inspires me. I do a lot of painting, carving, and traditional items when I am requested to make something for them".

Guided By The Spirits

A hunter that has been gone from his family for a long time, is seeking the wolf to guide him home.

Many hunters would seek fresh game from the land to carry to their families and communities through the harsh winters.

At times an Anishinaabe (Ojibway Aboriginal person) would pray to the spirits for a successful hunt.

The Spirit Within

This painting tells a story of an Anishinaabe praying to the Creator and to his Grandfathers, asking for strength and guidance.

At times the Anishinaabe would embark on a vision quest to seek guidance and truth. These quests would sometimes last for weeks. The people entering the vision quest would fast for days before it began. This is an interpretation by Larry Courchene.

Soapstone from Gimli Manitoba

"I am often drawn to the mysticism of the soapstone, in some of my work such as the turtle, it brings me to understand the bridges we can build within our own communities."

May The Child And His Family Be Bonded Forever

This is about family and the spirits that are strong within the circle. That strength is found in the teachings of the Grandfathers, the Creator, the Four Directions and the Mother Earth.

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