Lifetime Achievement Award for the Arts - August 15,2018

Standing from the left: Patrick Madahbee, Finian & Lynn Paibomesai, Grand Chief Glen Hare

Both and Finian and Lynn were co-recipients in the Lifetime Achievement Award in the ARTS Category. Lynn and Finian celebrated their 43rd anniversary and partnership in marriage and supporting roles in their respective careers. We have our share of obstacles both good and bad and the outcome has been positive. We are eternally gratefully for this recognition that has been bestowed to us.

Anishinabek Nation 7th Generation Charity

In 1976, Union of Ontario Indians created the Union of Ontario Indians Development Fund as a separate corporation to receive charitable funds and issue charitable receipts. In 2006, the corporation changed its name to Anishinabek Nation 7th Generation Charity. The name change is symbolic in that our people- the Anishinabek – are striving to achieve success on the revitalization and preservation of our culture, language; our very “being” as the distinct people we are and have always been.

The mission of the Anishinbek Nation 7th Generation Charity is commited to improving the quality of life of Anishinabek Nation citizens by providing financial support where no other funding exists.

The vision of the Anishinabek Nation 7th Generation Charity is to help create educated, healthy and culturally enriched citizens that will continue to grow a stable, strong, and prosperous Anishinabek Nation.

Annual Anishinabek Evening of Excellence

Our Anishinabek Evening of Excellence recognizes and celebrates deserving Anishnabek citizens who have a commitment to career, community, education and the advance of our Nation. Each year, several outstanding individuals are presented with prestigious Anishnabek Lifetime Achievement Awards. We recognize these individuals as “building blocks” to improving the lives of Anishnabek citizens and the Anishnabek Nation as a whole. The evening is inspirational, empowering, and a source of pride for our people who have the opportunity to meet those indivduals who have helped our Nation move forward, be strong, and prosper.

The Artist's Journey

Finian Aloysuis Paibomesai (03,16,1954)

 Finian is a member of the WhiteFish River First Nation (Manitoulin Island). He came to the Ottawa area in the early 1970’s to study Fine Arts at Algonquin College, University of Ottawa and Ottawa School of Art. At Algonquin College in the Visual Arts Program, he was taught by Fred Maheux, Pat Durr, Sima Vinburg, Lucille Yang, Dale Dunning, Richard Nigro, Rose Marie Swingle and other teachers. After graduating from Algonquin , he attended the University of Ottawa in the Bachelor of Arts ( Fine Arts) was instructed by Richard Gorman, Jim Boyd, Michael Schreyer, Phillip Frye, Richard Simmons.

In his formative years, Finian experimented with a lot of art styles from realism to abstract using oils, acrylic, ink and watercolour.

 As his artwork evolved, Finian went to art exhibits by Norval Morriseau and other exhibitions of First Nation Artist. I started experimenting with the style of the Woodland Painters. a native art movement that began in the early nineteen-sixties and has since become one of the important art schools in Canada. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Finian did not have the opportunity to be told stories from elders but by research and reading has filled the void. While Finian's work reflects the black lines of traditional Woodlands art, he embraces his own unique style of embedded images of spirits, human faces and animal forms, transcending physical boundaries to the outer dimensions of the spiritual realm.  Working primarily with acrylic on canvas, Ink on paper and water colour, Finian is known in the region for his innovative representation of an interconnected world based in the natural environment. In this his work reflects symbolism, realism and abstract imagery.  The images tell stories, represent ancient teachings of his people and remind those who gaze on the work, we are all connected to each other and the natural world.

First Nations Artist Evolution

Stories for the First Nations People have always been a major tool of cultural transmission, holding the history, values, beliefs and spirituality of the people. Through their paintings, First Nation Artists transcends the verbal storytelling history of their People that enters into the realm of visual arts.  In this, First Nation Artist hope their work will resonate and awaken an awareness that is at once exciting and empowering, a way for all people to understand an Aboriginal world view.  Within this context, story telling through colour and imagery, First Nation Artist’s work will contribute to cultural revitalization, an awakening that continues to gather strength among the people to express and share the experience of being in and with the world, not masters of it. 

Artist’s Statement:

"Artistic inspiration happens in different forms, so I do mine with lines..."

My artwork is developed through a mental visual image which is then sketched to a flat surface such as paper, canvas or masonite board. The process is started with a line that traces out the outline of a perceived image. The image is then filled using lines (eg. brush strokes loaded with paint). Even if there is a form of controlled application of the medium, each piece changes and evolves with selection of  lines and color as it is being produced. The finished composition is accompanied with vivid colors, abstract marks, spots, swirls and strokes, this is where the viewer is drawn into a contemplative space of the real and spiritual world.

Steps in the use of lines: (1) Visualizing the image. (2) Initial layout on the surface. (3) Application of the media. (4) Signing of the art piece.

 In the 1980’s, Finian and his wife Lynn moved from Ottawa to South Gower, a rural setting to develop and nurture his distinctive art style. Like many artist, Finian has worked as a labourer, cartographer, graphic artist and web master. Other business venues have been added to his services: Signs and decal production and large format printing, Broker for promotional products and wear apparel.

Education:

University of Ottawa Bachelor of Arts (Fine Arts) (1976 – 1978)

Algonquin College – Visual and Creative Arts Certificate (1973 – 1975)

Exhibitions:

2017- Back to creating art work

2016- Still taking a break from Creative Process

2015- Taking a break from Creative process

2014 McClosky Project, Chesterville,On

2013 December: Brockville Arts Centre, Brockville, Ontario

2013 Jan-Dec. :McCloskey Project, Chesterville, On

2012 May- July: Woodland Cultural Centre, Brantford, Ontario

2011 December: Brockville Art Centre, Brockville,Ontario

2011 May-August: Woodland Cultural Centre, Brantford. Ontario

2010 October 1 - 30 Brockville Art Centre, Brockville Ontario

2010: August 1 - 21 : Ojibwe Cultural Foundation, Manitoulin Island, Ontario

2010: May 21 - July 21: Woodland Cultural Centre, Brantford Ontario

2010: February 1 - 28 The Branch Restaurant and Gallery, Kemptville, Ontario

2009: No Planned Exhibitions

2008: The Branch Restaurant & Gallery, Kemptville, Ontario - May 2008

2007: The Branch Restaurant & Gallery, Kemptville, Ontario - January 2007

2006: The Branch Restaurant & Gallery, Kemptville, Ontario - December 2006

2005: Amanda's Slip Restaurant Gallery, Kemptville, Ontario - November - December 2005

2004: Woodland Cultural Centre, Brantford, Ontario - First Nations Art 2004

2004: Amanda's Slip Restaurant & Gallery, Kemptville, Ontario - May 1 to 31

1999 to 2002 : North Grenville Arts Guild (Various Locations: Amanda’s Slip Restaurant & Gallery, Brockville Arts Centre, Brockville Municipal Buildings, North Grenville Municipal Buildings.

1997: Merrickville Village Studio and Gallery

1995 to 1998: Museum of Nature - Ottawa

1995: OPEC Meeting, Montreal

1984 to 1990: Kemptville & District Art Association

1978 to 1984 : Ottawa Art Association

Memberships:

CAR/FAC Ontario