Collection: Michelle Stoney

Growing up in a family of artists, while admiring the works of her late grandfather master carver Victor Mowat and her granny’s brother Earl Maldo, Michelle never thought she would become an artist herself.

Michelle started her education path with a physical education diploma while copying cartoons and making them her own while adding her design touch for fun. While taking an art elective in university, called “Native Art”, she knew that she wanted to become an artist who represents Native art, in a modern, different take.

Michelle got into Emily Carr University of Art + Design in Vancouver, BC, where she focused on Formline art, silk screening and metalwork in all her classes. In 2018, Michelle attended the Native Education College (NEC), where she realized she wanted to make jewellery.

She brings an edgy, new touch to traditional designs. Michelle now runs workshops for her community, where she teaches painting, Chilkat weaving and colouring sheets. 

You can find bright colours and bold, black lines across Michelle’s murals and jewellery pieces. With the inspiration of her collection stemming from her first piece of a mother-daughter pendant, Michelle makes sure she is always adding her style when creating new pieces. You can notice picturesque scenery and nature across Michelle’s work, where you can find colourings of mountains with a Formline inside of them and more.

“The main point with my art is to appreciate nature and what's around us. Nature is the most inspirational thing for me, our land and how important it is to protect it for the future.” 

First Nations Gallery is thrilled to feature Michelle’s art and collection.