Celebrating The Crafts

Governor General’s Awards in Visual and Media Arts, Artistic Achievement Award Craft Winners

Germaine Arnaktauyok
(YELLOWKNIFE, N.W.T.)

Dempsey Bob
(TERRACE, B.C.)

Bonnie Devine
(TORONTO, ONT.)

Dempsey Bob , 20 Frog Stories, 2017 Alder, 32x8x19cm COURTESY OF EQUINOX GALLERY VANCOUVER

Dempsey Bob

An innovator of the Tahltan-Tlingit style, a northwest coast cultural art form, for more than 50 years, Dempsey Bob is a master carver whose generosity has built cross-cultural art partnerships between Indigenous nations and arts organizations. His career connects past great carvers with contemporary approaches.

Dempsey Bob, Photo: Angelo Cavagnaro, COURTESY OF EQUINOX GALLERY VANCOUVER

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Germaine Arnaktauyok, Mother Earth, 2007. Ink and coloured pencil on paper, 72.7 cm x 53.6 cm. Collection: Winnipeg Art Gallery. COURTESY OF THE CANADA COUNCIL FOR THE ARTS

Germaine Arnaktauyok

Working with the stories of Inuit, Germaine Arnaktauyok is a printmaker and storyteller whose narratives delve into feminist and political realities. Her work explores themes of motherhood, urban and traditional ways of life, and life on the land. The award celebrates her 60-year career.

Germaine Arnaktauyok, Throat Singing, 2006. Pen and ink on paper, 32.4 cm x 39.4 cm. Collection: Winnipeg Art Gallery, COURTESY OF THE CANADA COUNCIL FOR THE ARTS

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Bonnie Devine

Bonnie Devine is an installation artist, researcher and teacher. Her practice explores topics of land, history and narrative through the lens of Anishinaabe culture. Her sculptural work often employs the language of craft to investigate lived experience.

Bonnie Devine, Battle for the Woodlands: Anishinaabitude, 2014-2015. Mixed media mural with felt, brass and nickel beads, deer hide, moose hide, gathered twigs and sea grass. COURTESY OF THE ART GALLERY OF ONTARIO

For more information on the winners of the 2021 Governor General’s Awards in Visual Arts

This article was published in the Spring/Summer 2021 issue of Studio Magazine.