Raymond Chartrand is from Duck Bay, Metis settlement. He has lived
in Winnipeg since he was a youth.
His
style of art is wild game hide sculpting, it first started as a
hobby, but it's been slowly turning into a way of life for Raymond.
Wild game hide sculpting is a process where the hide (moose, deer,
elk) is wetted down, then stretched, and while it is drying it can
be molded it whatever form the artist wishes. When the hide is dry,
the artist is able to start to paint his vision.
In
his experience, he feels it is important for Aboriginals to adapt
to an ever changing environment. In his youth, he used to trap,
and when the trapping was unable to support a way of life, Raymond
was embodied with a sense of understanding how life can change.
Raymond
draws upon the clan system, cultural teachings, and the people in
his community for inspiration. It is his intention to promote the
importance of family through his art.
