Darren Gagnon

Darren is a proud Métis elder born, raised and living a stone’s throw from the Red River in Manitoba. A wood worker for nearly 50 years he recently discovered birchbark is a truly amazing waterproof and even medicinal material. The Birch tree has brought us so many gifts it soon became apparent to him why it was so cherished by our ancestors.

Creating art with Birchbark is his passion. Usually making traditional scale version canoes, forming harvesting baskets and etching designs into winter bark he most recently discovered the elaborate decoration of birchbark containers with porcupine quills which has traditionally been referred to as quill box art. His floral motifs are so fitting as they align with Metis style and identity.

Harvesting his own materials not only affords him a meaningful connection to the land but also provides the ability to create distinctive pieces with naturally occurring shades of bark. Experimenting with different quill dyes and colours offers endless and unique possibilities.