Story and Photos By Kat Lyzun
Elliott Doxtater-Wynn is not only a talented Aboriginal artist; he’s also a pretty good salesman.
“Those are the last ones left,” he tells two women admiring his hand-painted Christmas ornaments at the annual Victoriaville Aboriginal Art Sale. “In fact I’m back-ordered. But no pressure!” he adds with a wide grin.
Doxtater-Wynn’s warm and enthusiastic personality is a perfect fit for what he loves to do: share his passion for art and Aboriginal culture with others, particularly with youth. Perhaps best known as one of the friendly voices on CBC’s Superior Morning show, Doxtater-Wynn also works in local schools where he aims to teach not only artistic techniques but also the importance of embracing individuality.
With his own three children, Doxtater-Wynn says his proudest artistic moment is watching them learn and adapt to something he’s shown them. “When sharing what I know with my kids, and they see a teaching or an application and they get it—that’s the moment,” he says. “Empowering kids to be creative and cultivating self-esteem is so important.”
Doxtater-Wynn brings his love of life and family to the full spectrum of his artistic works, from drawings and paintings to music and writing. “My artwork is symbiotic with who I am—archetypes that reflect me, my family, and my environment,” he says. “I’m in a good place, and those emotions come out in the work. I want people to be strong, to come together as a people and take care of each other.”
A graduate of the H.B. Beal art school in London, ON, Doxtater-Wynn continued his arts education upon moving north from his home at Six Nations of the Grand River. He holds Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Education degrees from Lakehead University. He is currently channeling much of his energy into music, writing, and creating a graphic novel, but his roots are in drawing and sculpture. Among his most notable works is a bottle made of bound willow branches, signifying a connection with the land, which was selected by Coca-Cola for their pavilion at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.
