"A Night at Batoche" is a series of three paintings I made to capture an imaginative version of Batoche, a historic Metis community where my family is from. On this night, the Northern Lights danced! This series featured 3 6"X6"X1.5" acrylic paintings, each meant to capture a snapshot of this winter night. My colour palette is very bright and intended to evoke feelings of nostalgia, wonder, and comfort. 
 
A Night at Batoche #1: Li Tapis
This painting features a dog wearing a traditional dog blankey and was inspired by Adele Arseneau, a cousin of mine out in BC who has worked to revitalize the dog blanket and highlight the unique Metis relationship with our dog kin. The dog painted is was modelled by my rescue husky mix, Boofus, who was rescued from Red Pheasant First Nation and is a classic "Rez Dog" at heart. 
 
A Night at Batoche #2: Aen Mii Raazh
This painting features a couple of bison approaching the viewer from over a rolling hill. The title of this piece translates to "Shadow" as the bison are in sillouette, with the focus of this piece being more on the sky. The bison was the lifeline for Metis people, being used as sustanence with other parts being used to make tools, household wares, and traditional arts and crafts and so I use them a lot as a motif in my work. 
 
A Night at Batoche #3: Ligliiz (current listing)
"Ligliiz" means "church" in Michif. I come from a Metis family that was very Catholic traditionally. My ancestors would have attended this church, been married in this church, had funerals in this church, baptisms, and other life and community events. While I am not religious in the same sense, I have a deep respect for the sense of community the church provided for my ancestors and the role it would have played in the community and their lives. The church was the heart of Batoche, and is still standing today, acting as a symbol of Metis resiliance and community. 
 
All paintings in the "A Night at Batoche" are mostly lightfast and will not fade. The only exception is the brightest pink in the aurora, which as strategically placed atop of another very bright, but more lightfast pink. As the neon one fades, the composition will not change very dramatically. To slow down this process, it is best to keep your painting out of direct, longterm, sunlight exposure.