Twenty One Doors Studio
My Inpiration
Victor Pelletier was an Anishinaabe from Serpent River First Nation, Ontario. He was born on July 31, 1929 at the Blind River hospital, the fifth of eight children, and attended school in Sudbury.
Victor Francis Pelletier
In August 1983, Mr. Pelletier died due to complications from diabetes. He was a charismatic leader who made real differences by delivering positive results, always proactive in helping all people understand the importance of pursuing First Nation’s issues. I credit Mr. Pelletier with instilling in me an appreciation of the indigenous culture that to this day forms my work.
As a self-taught artist, I have created mascots and characters for Canadian government departments such as Health Canada, national organizations such as The Red Cross, and charitable organizations such as Candlelighters, a fund-raising body for children with cancer. I have created engaging wall art for nurseries, children’s rooms, school hallways and business storefronts.
Although I have spent many years designing, painting, and illustrating, I am recognized mostly for my aboriginal portraits. The one main influence of my art has been Victor Francis Pelletier
As a child, I remember seeing Vic sitting at the table, with family and friends, discussing important events and how important it was for him to pass on his history and culture. Mr. Pelletier dedicated most of his life to the advancement of the First Nations people and, in 1981, the Native Council of Canada presented him with an award in recognition of a lifetime of outstanding contributions as a representative of Canada’s Indigenous peoples.