Self taught artist Isaac Bignell was a Cree painter, born on The Pas reserve, 400 miles north of Winnipeg, Manitoba. During his short life he lived in Winnipeg, Minneapolis and Vancouver. Isaac eventually developed his own style of sponge painting, creating wildlife images distinguished by flowing lines.  Although he died at the peak of his career at the age of 37, Isaac’s presence lives on through well known first nations artists Russel Noganosh, who apprenticed under Isaac in 1979, and Garnet Tobacco, who includes Isaac as one of his artistic influences.

• “My art is strongly influenced by the traditions of my people.
  I was brought up to live off the land from an early age.
  Hunting and trapping, living in harmony with the earth has
  taught me to respect the animals and the spirit and power
  of nature.  I hoop dance and sing Pow Wows to maintain
  my cultural heritage. Through art and dancing I attempt to
  influence native people to continue their cultural ways; the
  gift that was given to us by the Great Sprit.”Isaac Bignell