"Plains Cree" 
Don McLeay was born on March 21, 1940 in North Battleford, Saskatch- ewan. He moved at the age of nine to Victoria, British Columbia and began work in his early teens. His work and travels have taken him to Baffin Island, Inuvik in the Arctic, Alberta, California, Mexico and Oklahoma. 
Nisga'a and Kwakiutl influenced Don's earlier works. 

One of the most influ- ential artists in Don's career was carver Russell Smith in 1970. In May of 1975, McLeay went to Toronto for a show and met someone who would again influence his work: Norval Morrisseau. McLeay brought new elements into his work which the Woodland artist introduced to him. 

His works on paper contain the stylistic expression that is uniquely McLeay. Images are taken from nature and his native background. Traces of West Coast design -patterns of flat, bright colours, and geometric designs characteristic of American southwest paintings are found in his paintings and silkscreens. 

For the past 10 years or so McLeay has worked almost exclusively in wood, from free standing sculptures to 3 dimensional wall panels. He has also developed a line of fine art and functional furniture that incorporates carved and painted west coast design and is in everyday use in homes in Canada. His work is found in many collections around the world. 

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Art description:

The pieces I do are based on tradition- al pieces that were used on a daily basis by the people of the Northwest Coast: bowls for eating and boxes for eating, cooking and storage. Masks used in dances during the winter ceremonies. Totem poles depicting the wealth and status of their owners. Panels of power that were attached to the longhouse walls. 

What has changed is that most pieces are not used as tradition was. Most now are designed to sell and adorn walls of homes and galleries and lately to enhance functional pieces such as stereo cabinets, beds, coffee tables and even sofas and chairs. 

More and more I make furniture adorned with the symbols of the Northwest Coast. The pieces may not be traditional in 
 

When posed the question of off reserve/urban living I wondered how could I possibly answer having never lived on the reserve for longer than a few months at a time. 

The close relationships with family was one noticeable difference. Urban life dictates families live apart, sometimes in different cities not to mention different provinces and even countries. 

But urban life brings you in contact with other native peoples from different nations. Friendships form sometimes closer than brothers and sisters. As an artist urban life brings me in contact with other artists both native and non-native. 

From this contact alone my work improves and changes as time passes. In my case this one thing makes living in the urban environment a worthwhile endeavor. 

Penny Christian & Don McLeay
P.O. Box 32
Merrickville, Ontario K0G 1N0
Tel: (613) 269-2984
Email: pchristian@cyberus.ca