Mnaabno Kwe,
Hillary Smith
Cheerful Sunrise Woman
The warrior depicted stands vulnerable;
streams of tears releasing the pain she had kept inside.
The weight has
been lifted.
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RELIEF Acrylic on canvas 19” x 16”
Biography
Hillary Smith is an Anishinaabe visual artist who creates in photography, graphic design, and traditional art forms. Drawing lessons in childhood sparked an interest in art that inspired her to study visual and creative arts at Sheridan College from 2011 to 2013, as well as digital photography at Durham College from 2014 to 2016. She grew up on Beausoleil First Nation and currently resides in Toronto.
Statement
“Your silence is killing you.” This line from the film Indian Horse truly resonated with me throughout my creative process.
My grandparents spoke little of their time in residential school or the hardships they faced. I believe that the high rate of suicide amongst our people is because our pain has been buried in silence. But today, the hard truths are coming to light and the conversations have begun. It is important for us to express ourselves, no matter how much the truth may hurt.
The warrior depicted in my painting stands vulnerable; streams of tears releasing the pain she had kept inside. The weight has been lifted.