Daphne Odjig (Mrs. Chester Beavon), an Odawa native, she has been born and raised on the Wikwemikong Indian Reserve of Manitoulin Island, 180 miles NW of Toronto. Moved to Manitoba in 1963. In her work she uses pastels, acrylics, pen and ink and collage to create vivid prints of Indian folklore as well as murals and illustrations for children's books. She produced a mural for the Pequis Indian School, Winnipeg, and her work appeared on Christmas cards as well as two illustrated children's books. Her work has been seen in Osaka (Japan), France, Belgium, Vancouver, North Dakota and many places in Manitoba. Odjig's images are represented in numerous collections across Canada. She has been a member of the B.C. Federation of Artist's and is on the Board of the Manitoba Arts Foundation Folk School. (1996 inventory)
Takao Tanabe was born in 1926 in Prince Rupert, B.C. He studied at Winnipeg School of Art, Brooklyn Museum of Art, and Tokyo University of Fine Arts. Taught at Vancouver School of Art from 1961 to 1968, and Banff School of Fine Arts in 1973. Takao Tanabe was one of the promoters of 'abstract landscape' painting in Canada, together with Jack Shadbolt, Gordon Smith, and Toni Onley. (A Concise History of Canadian Painting. Dennis Reid. Toronto: Oxford University Press, 1973. P. 207, 428)
Inscription on back: Robert Mancuso, a member of the Sioux Valley band, residing in Brandon, MB, has been developing his art since childhood. It is only recently, however, that he's been working in the native style, reflecting the spirituality that comes from the native view of things. He has undertaken native art classes at Brandon University that he says has greatly influenced his direction. He says it is like stepping through a new door into a world full of wonders waiting to be explored through his art. Contemporary native art is exciting and challenging to work in. He says 'it always has a horizon'. This picture, depicted in ink, represents the four elements showing the sun as fire, buffalo as earth, eagle as wind, and the lines as water. He has tried to convey the feeling of the spiritual force as it moves, with boldness across the vastness of the plains.
