Jane Ash Poitras facts for kids

Jane Ash Poitras is a talented Cree painter and printmaker from Canada. She was born on October 11, 1951. Her art uses modern styles to show the experiences of Indigenous people in a powerful way. She has received many honors for her work, including the Order of Canada.

Jane Ash Poitras's Life Story

Jane Ash Poitras was born in Fort Chipewyan, Alberta. When she was six years old, her mother passed away. She was then adopted by an elderly German woman and grew up in Edmonton, Alberta, in a Catholic home.

Before becoming an artist, Jane studied science. She earned a degree in microbiology from the University of Alberta. Later, she decided to follow her passion for art. She went back to the University of Alberta to study printmaking. She also earned a Master's degree from Columbia University in New York City.

Her Amazing Artworks

Jane Ash Poitras sees each blank canvas as an exciting adventure. She once said that creating art is like a journey of discovery. She might start with an idea, but she is always open to new and unexpected things happening as she paints. She believes that every step in making art is a spiritual act.

How Jane Creates Her Art

Jane's art often includes many layers of images, everyday objects, and text. She uses these elements to explore the history and personal feelings of Indigenous people in Canada. This way of making art was inspired by famous artists like Mark Rothko and Robert Rauschenberg. Jane learned about these artists during her studies at Columbia University.

She often adds special objects to her paintings to give them deeper meaning. For example, in her 1991 artwork A Sacred Prayer for a Sacred Island, she included an eagle feather and a five-dollar bill. An eagle feather is very important and sacred to North American Indigenous peoples. The five-dollar bill represents the money the Canadian government pays to Indigenous individuals as part of treaties.

Large-Scale Paintings

Jane Ash Poitras creates very large paintings. One of her artworks bought by the Royal Ontario Museum in 2010 is a huge piece. It is a triptych, which means it's made of three panels, and it measures 25 feet long and 9 feet high!

Another important work is Potato Peeling 101 to Ethnobotany 101 from 2004. This painting tells a story about how Indigenous people have worked to keep their cultural knowledge alive. This was especially important during times when they were forced to change their ways.

Jane is very busy with her art. Before 2006, she had already shown her work in over 30 solo exhibitions and 60 group shows. She also teaches art at the University of Alberta and travels to give talks across North America.

Mentoring Young Artists

Jane Ash Poitras also helps young Indigenous artists learn and grow. She has mentored many apprentices, including the artist Linus Woods. This shows her dedication to supporting the next generation of artists.

Where You Can See Her Art

Jane Ash Poitras's artworks are part of many important public collections. This means her paintings are displayed in museums and galleries for everyone to see. Some of these places include:

• National Gallery of Canada
• Royal Ontario Museum
• Canadian Museum of Civilization
• Brooklyn Museum
• Canada Council Art Bank
• McMichael Canadian Art Collection
• Royal Alberta Museum
• Art Gallery of Ontario
• Art Gallery of Alberta (formerly Edmonton Art Gallery)
• Vancouver Art Gallery
• Winnipeg Art Gallery
• Glenbow Museum (Glenbow-Alberta Institute)

Awards and Recognitions

Jane Ash Poitras has received many special awards and honors for her contributions to art and culture. Some of these include:

• The Order of Canada in 2017, which is one of Canada's highest honors.
• The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
• Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Calgary.
• Honorary Doctor of Letters degree from the University of Alberta.
• Being named a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts.
• The Alberta Centennial Medal.
• The National Aboriginal Achievement Award for Arts and Culture in 2006.
• The University of Alberta Alumni Award of Excellence.
• The Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Distinguished Artist Award.