Red River Métis Portraits
Bridging the Gap is an ongoing personal project and
in the private collection of JD Hawk.
Museums & Galleries
If you wish to display this collection,
please inquire at info@jdhawkartstudio.com
Are these for sale?
Not individually. They are to be sold as a collection, minus one of the portraits acquired by the Canadian Museum of History.
Prints – Only one limited edition print, signed & numbered, was given to the individual in the portrait. No other prints are available at this time.
“Bridging the Gap”
After the hanging of Metis Leader Louis Riel in 1885, the Metis continued to be persecuted. Many hid in plain sight, but our resilience, determination, culture, and family stories continued. Canada is slowly recognizing the mistakes it made towards the Metis.
Bridging the Gap is a collection of Metis portraits to share the stories of our people, and to show that we have been here all along.
The first collection originally consisted of twelve portraits. One of the portraits has significant historical value
and was acquired by the Canadian Museum of History (more details coming soon). This collection is scheduled
to be completed & ready for public display by mid-2025.
“These portraits are historical documents” – JD Hawk
Ron Poirier
Oil on Canvas
24″ x 32″
Moose hide jacket & beaded mitts, made in 1913 – Churchill MB Canada, belonging to Ron’s great-uncle.
JoAnne Remillard
MMF Minister
Oil on Canvas
24″ x 32″
The beaded staff is a flask. The antler, when turned upside down is used as a cup.
This was made and used by her father in the late 1960’s
Jason Lepine
Métis Fiddling Champion, Recording Artist and Manitoba Fiddle Association Wall of Fame Inductee.
Oil on Canvas – 24″ x 48″
Verna DeMontigny
Oil on Canvas
18″ x 24″
Has played an integral part in the preservation of the Michif language
and culture.
Metis Language Specialist
Read Article
Andrew Carrier
Oil on Canvas
24″ x 32″
MMF Minister & Vice-President
of the Winnipeg Metis Association
Deer hide was harvested by Carrier and then made
into this beautiful Métis jacket.
Charlotte Nolin
“Stands Strong Eagle Woman. A Two Spirit Grandmother”
Oil on Canvas
24″ x 32″
Charlotte has an incredible life story.
Due to the historic significance of this painting,
the Canadian Museum of History has acquired it for their
permanent collection. More details coming soon …
Wpg Free Press Article – Lost and Found (Charlotte Nolin)
“Squirrely”
Shirley Delorme Russell
Oil on Canvas
24″ x 32″
A proud Métis woman from her mother – a Delorme and Ducharme from the heart of the Métis nation. She is a humble anisinaabekwe from her father-who is from the land of the sleeping giant. Shirley is holding 3 books that affected her deeply as a Métis woman. April rain tree by Beatrice culketon. A name for a Métis by Deborah delaronde and Métis legacy by Lawrence barkwell, Leah Dorian and Darren prefontaine. Her sash was gifted to her when she graduated from university. Her earrings were purchased at a pow wow.
“Wally”
Henry Wallace LaVigne
Oil on Canvas
18″ x 24″
Born & raised in the north end of Winnipeg.
Elder & Traditional Healer
1997 – 2015 Executive Director – Cwenemgitel Aboriginal Society, Surrey BC
Presently working as a Traditional Healer for FRAFCA in Surrey, BC
JD Hawk
Oil on Canvas
24″ x 48″
“… It was the strangest feeling because on the one hand, I wanted to end my life, but on the other hand, I was completely at peace “
Chapter 22 – Conversations Over Coffee (Volume 1)
Norman Meade
Residential School Survivor – Elder – Pastor
Oil on Canvas – 10″ x 20″
Portrait 11 – coming soon …
Portrait 12 – coming soon …
The following oil paintings are of JD’s family …
Portrait – Armand J Paquette
Oil Painting on Canvas
14″ x 14
Born in 1930
Famous Metis Artist – Armand J. Paquette,
had made a name for himself way before I was born, and if you don’t recognize his name, I’ll bet you have seen his paintings because they are everywhere.
I decided it was time I painted his portrait for a couple reasons. The first being – back in 1973, he did a few caricatures of me being a little “mischievous”. (one of my aunts has the originals) Little did he know that one day I would grow up and paint his portrait. The second reason, he is my mother’s oldest brother.
You can find his work at:
1. Mayberry Fine Art Gallery – https://mayberryfineart.com/artists/armand_paquette
2. Google Images has tons of his paintings that you’ll recognize
Armand J. Paquette, 93yrs
Oil on Canvas
14″ x 14″
Early 2024, Uncle Armand sitting on the edge of his chair, and the edge
of his new art desk, working on a Metis Hunt painting idea.
“…intelligent for an Indian.”
From an old photograph
that was badly beaten and ripped.
Born in Onion Lake Cree Nation, Saskatchewan,
this young Métis child (4 or 5 years old) eventually
joined the Canadian Military.
His service record states “…intelligent for an Indian.”
This is my grandfather
(1913 – 1968)
Oil on Canvas
8″ x 10″
Portrait – Mom (1951 – 2006)
Oil Painting on canvas,
14″ x 14″
