Doug Pople – Copper Texturized Rectangle Earrings

Name: Doug Pople - Copper Texturized Rectangle Earrings
SKU: 578741T
Price: 55.00 CAD
Availability: InStock

Artisans - Doug Pople

$55.00

1 in stock

SKU: 578741T

Description

Doug's Story about the Wolf WIllow/Silver Berry…

I had never worked with Wolf Willow/Silver Berries prior yet have been amazed with their stark beauty. To me, they are as timeless as the Metis. My first work with Wolf Willow/Silver Berries was after I read Laurie Barkwell’s article, I never realized the significance of them to the Metis. As one of the many Metis who are on the journey to reclaim my culture, I felt this was a contribution I needed to make.

Making the necklaces went really well and I felt I had created some nice pieces (my Mom who is 94 said they were nice so I could not disagree). I happened to see a pair of earrings utilizing the Wolf Willow so that was my next adventure. I really knew nothing about earrings but did lots of research and purchased a few components from a craft store. I am an eager learner and through lots of trial and error, started having success. I have many willing family members and friends who accepted pieces with the only condition being I needed their feedback. I utilized similar colour combinations as I had used in the necklaces and was pleased with their appearance. Like with the necklaces, I eventually gravitated toward the copper and turquoise bead combination.

I then saw some pictures of how copper had been incorporated into jewelry. My only experience was installing metal roofing and flashing so working with copper was somewhat similar yet is a very different metal. Additionally as a kid, I helped my Dad in his scrap iron business so I developed an appreciation of metals. The only copper I had was some old 3/8” tubing that I upcycled by cutting to length, heating and annealing, pounding flat and then cutting and finishing into a final shape. It is a good thing copper is recyclable as this has been a wonderful learning opportunity with a few failures. My most challenging shape yet has been creating a copper infinity. It is important for me to incorporate the infinity in as many pieces as possible because for me, it is a symbol of who I am as a proud Metis.

Additional information

Weight	.12 kg
Dimensions	6 × 10 × .8 in

About the Artist

Doug Pople

Doug is a proud Métis originally from Portage la Prairie. He has a demonstrated passion for Indigenization in all facets of life and a solid commitment to the principle of decolonizing in order to achieve a fair society. Culture is of paramount importance, both learning and sharing. Doug is an avid harvester of both plants and animals yet always lives the belief of, only take what you need and leave plenty for future generations. The passion to reclaim his Métis heritage is a decade’s long journey with no end in sight. Travelling to and experiencing historical sites such as Ste. Madeleine, Batoche, Duck Lake, Rooster Town and Fish Creek is so important to his understanding of Métis history. His Kookum is with him in spirit every time he stands up and proudly proclaims his Métis ancestry, which she had to give up 90 years ago in order to survive in the settler world. Part of his journey is to learn everything Métis. After reading an article by Laurie Barkwell on the significance of the Wolf Willow, the hook was set. He harvested enough Wolf Willow berries to make one necklace, he harvested more and then made necklaces for family members. He saw pictures of Wolf Willow earrings, thought this would be an interesting project, and loved how the Wolf Willow seeds created a beautiful contrast with the colourful beads. Adding copper seemed like a great idea and he incorporated that into his creations. He upcycles used copper to turn it into art. Doug strives to be a positive role model and always promote meaningful change, especially those that recognize Indigenous ways of knowing, researching and working. He is also a huge proponent of personal growth and individual empowerment, while still being aware of the historical realities in which we live and the challenges and barriers many Indigenous people still face to this day.

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