The Inspirations of the “Truth” Illustration by Portia Po Chapman were Indigenous Story and Storytelling

September 30, 2021March 13, 2022 Portia "Po" Chapman

The Inspirations of the “Truth” Illustration by Portia Po Chapman were Indigenous Story and Storytelling.

Portia Chapman’s Indigenous Illustrations Published

This week, during National Day for Truth and Reconciliation week, Queen’s University featured the Indigenous Illustration, “Truth.” I was commissioned to create these illustrations by the Queen’s Indigenous Initiatives Department for their website. Since then, the illustrations have been beautifully featured as integral elements to the Queen’s University Truth and Reconciliation Task Force Implementation Report – Year 3. This week, “Truth” is being shared on various sites, apps and pages. Also, a Zoom / Microsoft Teams background with the illustration was created so that you can use it for your meeting backgrounds, especially Queen’s departments today. Today is Orange Shirt Day – Every Child Matters. The following is a short video of me explaining the inspiration that guided my creation of this beautiful image.

Indigenous Story and Storytelling inspired me.

Since I wanted the illustrations to be interpretive, I struggled to provide art interpretations. But as I was creating these images, I could hear and see words. For this illustration, I kept seeing and hearing: “Truth.” But the truth that I kept repeatedly experiencing was not the word, but rather the action and essence of Truth. There were times that I could feel the Sprit of Truth guiding me as the spirit whispered in my ear with faint drumming and singing surrounding us.

As a visual storyteller with Indigenous heritage, generations of my ancestors were silenced as their/our culture was wiped from public display. It was only through story and storytelling did I learn my family’s story. It was because of story and storytelling that I grew to cherish my heritage and ancestry. Our truth may have been hidden from the general public, but it remained alive in our family. Now with my aging family, so many have died but their story is alive as ever.

In the illustration, you will notice a circle of people sharing stories of TRUTH. At the top of the gathering circle, there is a pinkish, larger figure. To me, she represents both Spirit and Clan Mother / Grandmother. She exudes story and the embodiment of truth. She is active and alive as she shares the Truth with the generations to follow her. The orangish space in the middle is a ceremonial fire gathering everyone together.

So as you can see, “Truth,” tells a living story or storytelling. After everything that has been lost, gained or changed over time, Indigenous STORY and STORYTELLING has continued to tell TRUTH!

As an integral part of the Truth and Reconciliation process, please hear the stories of Indigenous Peoples from across this land. It is through hearing the stories shared that we may all, in Truth, move forward together.

Portia Po Chapman using the “Truth” Zoom / Teams Background

Contact

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Belleville, Ontario, Canada
portia@loveartbypo.ca
613-779-7975

Portia Chapman

Zhashkoonh ( Muskrat ): Nishnaabemowin Children’s Book by Portia Po Chapman

September 25, 2021March 13, 2022 Portia "Po" Chapman

Zhashkoonh ( Muskrat ): Nishnaabemowin Children’s Book by Portia Po Chapman

During the Summer (2021), I began learning Nishnaabemowin. My Trent University Professor was Shirley Ida Williams. Professor Williams wrote the textbook for the course: “Eshkintam Nishinaabemang Mzinagan: Introduction to Nishnaabemowin.” On page iv, Professor Williams describes the dialect as, “The main dialect used in this manual is linguistically classified as Manitoulin Central dialect of Ojibwe and Odawa and is part of Eastern Ojibway and an offshoot of the Mother language of Algonkian.”

It was really exciting to begin my journey learning the language.

As part of the course, I wrote, read aloud, and illustrated my first children’s book in Nishnaabemowin. In this little video, you can read along with me.

Why did I choose to write about the Zhashkoonh ( Muskrat )? As well as being part of the creation story, I enjoyed watching the muskrats as I grew up along side the lake. They always seemed to be a bit more playful than the beavers. While they are tiny, they sure are mighty!

I hope you enjoy reading along with me! Maybe you too can learn few Nishnaabemowin words!

Click to visit my Indigenous Art page.

Contact

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Belleville, Ontario, Canada
portia@loveartbypo.ca
613-779-7975

Portia Chapman

Portia Po Chapman, Back in the Studio 2021 / 22

September 24, 2021March 13, 2022 Portia "Po" Chapman

2 weeks after completing my Bachelor of Education in August 2020 (Secondary School Teacher of Visual Art and First Nations, Metis and Inuit Studies) I secured my first teaching position.

I was planning on creating a new collection of woodcut prints inspired by the illustrations I did for Queen’s University, but my teaching position and Additional Teaching Qualification courses occupied my time.

In order to focus more on my artwork, I am teaching less this year (2021/22). As so many of us have found our lives altered by Covid-19, I have found a new breath of creative energy.

If there ever was a time to create, now is that time!

I will be posting more of my art process and documentation. Please continue to check in.

I have 3 projects that I have begun. Well, some of the materials have arrived. I’m really excited about this year.

Contact

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Belleville, Ontario, Canada
portia@loveartbypo.ca
613-779-7975

Art News, Portia Chapman, Portia's Adventures, Uncategorized

Portia Chapman’s Indigenous Image Scratchboard Arting was Fun for All

July 14, 2020March 13, 2022 Portia "Po" Chapman

Portia Chapman’s Indigenous Image Scratchboard Arting was Fun for All

This winter, as part of the Artist in Community Education Concentration at the Queen’s University Faculty of Education, we had the opportunity to host “Artings” in Duncan McArthur Hall. I chose to do a scratchboard event.

Basically, an arting is a brief art workshop, often only one night and for one art project. Our scratchboard arting was 45 minutes. Participants were able to start and finish their art pieces in this brief time together. It was so nice to see so many happy faces as participants left with their own finished artworks in hand.

Before participants left to mount their artworks at home, each participant received a certificate of completion. I can’t wait to host more artings this fall.

Thanks:

I would like to thank my supportive sister Jasmine Chapman (BEd CommTech) for photographing this event for me. Not many sisters get to do their BEd together – but we did!

I would like to thank my ACE professor Aynne Johnston for integrating this fun arting opportunity into our concentration. Artings are so fun, productive, and only take a short time to do. If we all took an hour to create each week/month, just imagine how we could beautify our world together.

Contact

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Belleville, Ontario, Canada
portia@loveartbypo.ca
613-779-7975

Art News, Portia Chapman, Portia's Adventures, Uncategorized

Portia Chapman’s “Desk” Has Places to Go What is Your Learning Story?

July 11, 2020March 13, 2022 Portia "Po" Chapman

Portia Chapman’s “Desk” Has Places to Go!

What is Your Learning Story?

desk learning is a journey — “Desk” was Digitally Inserted into My Photograph – Windsor, Ontario

As an Art Teacher and Teacher of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Studies, I hope to take “Desk” on a learning tour. Covid-19 has taught us that learning happens everywhere in life – if we are willing to learn. The classroom suddenly became our living rooms, bedrooms, and even our cars.

We kept learning during a time that prevented us from going to the school building. I want to take “Desk” on a journey across the country.

A moving journey across our great land whereby each stop along the way invites people to sit at “Desk” and to tell their stories of learning. I really, really like school – sharing, learning, teaching, and so much more.

As the artist, I so aspire for “Desk” to remind all of us that we must not move backward – we must keep moving forward. Learning is everywhere and learning flourishes when we share our stories together.

desk learning everywhere — “Desk” was Digitally Inserted into My Photograph – Toronto, Ontario

This is “Desk” in the studio:

“Desk” by Portia “Po” Chapman, 2019 – In the Studio

“Desk” Artist Statement & Story with Additional Photos Including Construction

Contact

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Belleville, Ontario, Canada
portia@loveartbypo.ca
613-779-7975

Art News, Portia Chapman, Portia's Adventures, Uncategorized

Portia Chapman’s Indigenous Illustrations Published

July 8, 2020March 13, 2022 Portia "Po" Chapman

Portia Chapman’s Indigenous Art Illustrations Published

Click to view post explaining the inspiration for the “Truth” illustration used by Queen’s University for National Truth and Reconciliation Day.

The following screenshot is from the Indigenous Initiatives Website.

Portia Chapman's Indigenous Illustrations Published Screenshot

Hi! I was really excited to notice that my artwork has been published on the new Queen’s University Office of Indigenous Initiatives Website! Portia Chapman Illustrations Page on Queen’s University Office of Indigenous Initiatives Website

It was a really rewarding and enjoyable project. I began the process in August 2019. As a visual artist with Indigenous ancestry on both sides of my family, it was an honour to develop these illustrations that feature traditions across Canada. I began the process with the 7 Grandfather Teachings and then continued from there forward.

I look forward to new art commissions. If you are seeking an artistic illustrator, I can be contacted at loveartbypo@gmail dot com .

Update: On July 14, 2020, the Queen’s University Faculty of Education newsletter featured my illustrations from the Indigenous Initiatives website. I hope that this exposure brings more attention to the Queen’s University Indigenous Initiatives website.

Indigenous Initiatives Website Illustrations 2

Contact

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Belleville, Ontario, Canada
portia@loveartbypo.ca
613-779-7975