ARTIST'S STATEMENT

Moses (Amik) Beaver is a Canadian Aboriginal Artist from the fly-in reserve of Summer Beaver, Ontario (Nibinamik). While Moses’ paintings reflect traditional Woodlands art, with its bold black lines and inter lay of abstract images depicting the intrinsic connection between man and earth, his work is distinct for its multilayered approach, utilizing the embedded images of spirits, human faces and animal forms in the splendour and backdrop of the natural environment. At first glance, the viewer believes they "see" the subject, be it a loon, eagle or person - but within the next few moments, layers of images appear and an eagle's wing becomes the upturned face of a woman; the woman’s hair the breath of the wolf's howl.... In this his work reflects symbolism, realism and abstract imagery. His paintings, rich in saturated colour and complex in their meaning, draw the viewer into an emotional and spiritual journey. Moses’ artistic goal is to share with all people that which is essential to being of First Nations ancestry. His paintings, a diary of enduring spirits, contribute to cultural awareness and revitalization; the notion of being in and with the world, not masters of it. He works a lot with Youth both within the educational system and in community projects, a relationship that both inspires and motivates him and is a constant source of personal growth.