Shashish|Anutshish : a virtual museum to explore past and present First Nations culture.

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Quicktime VR

Title of the work

Crib and cradle inspired by my traditional Ilnu experience in tents

Denis Blacksmith

Denis discovered his creative side at a young age while watching his aunt draw. He later explored that creativity further, developing a growing passion for wood carving after his father taught him to carve with a traditional curved knife. He learned the art of stone carving when, at the age of 16, he took a course given by a renowned craftsman in his community. For the past ten years he has worked at the Native Museum in Mashteuiatsh as interpreter, group coordinator, and exhibit technician, providing constant contact with the rich material culture he is so passionate about.

Description

(2004) Ash, birch, sisal cord, canvas.
Jolly and sensitive, Denis knows how to seize inspiration the moment it appears. Extremely quick minded, Denis designed, in very little time, an ingenious piece of furniture in birch and maple which he himself cut down, bent, and sculpted like any master woodworker. His original approach to the project led him to extract the essential elements of his childhood Ilnu memories of being lovingly rocked under a tent and judiciously transpose this happy childhood experience to his work. His crib-cradle is a beautiful marriage of Ilnu traditions and present needs. The enthusiastic recognition and pride manifested by the members of the community and the fascination of non natives with this work of art ensure the indisputable success of this project.