Riel
was born November 16, 1979 in the town of Birtle, Manitoba and is
a member of the Birdtail Sioux First Nation. He is fluent in his
Dakota language. Riel picked up a paintbrush and started painting
in 1996. He has tried using pastels, charcoal, water colors and
oil but acrylics is his medium of choice. Since the age of fifteen,
he has dreamt of becoming a well known artist and he is not allowing
anything to sway from his vision.
Riel
started promoting his art in April 1998 at which time he entered
a local art show, taking third place. Riel took his work to a curator
at the Brandon Art Gallery and arrangements were made for an exhibit
in July 1998 at an International Indigenous Education Conference
at Brandon University. Riel sold his work to buyers in Australia
and New Zealand. In June 1998 Riel received a Certificate of Honor
from the Canadian Principal's Association for his contribution to
a group mural.
Riel
was invited to attend the Santa Fe Indian Art Market in August of
1998. Riel had the opportunity to meet board members and president
of the Santa Fe institute for American Indian Art. Educators from
this institute invited Riel to consider attending their two year
art program.
Riel
has also donated paintings to organizations for their fundraising
projects. Riel is overwhelmed by the interest that has been generated
by his art. What he thought to be down ten-years down the road,
is now knocking at his door after only four months of exposure.
He spends hours, night and day, painting where his ideas and inspirations
become alive through his art.
