ARTIST BIO
Suellen Evoy-Oozeer
Art as social practice, community artist. All her artwork explores the interconnections among Spirit, Humanity, and Earth. This theme is visible in the spirit portraits created
as well as in the abstract depictions of landscapes and animals. Large-scale paintings on canvas, acrylics, and mixed media, often employing vibrant colors with deep spiritual significance. Suellen's artistic exploration delves into the sacred nature of the earth, the spiritual core of humanity, and the harmonious communication with the energy present in all life forms. Using the power of creativity to create sincere human connections. This creative journey involves reaching deep into her Irish heritage and diving into her Celtic indigenous ancestry: belief in ancestors' leadership, animism, sacredness of life, spiritual presence, sacred spiral, circle of humanity, the power of the drum, all gathered around the sacred tree of Life.
Over the years, many of my First Nations friends have shared similar passions, fostering a genuine bond that has endured for decades.
Me, You, and Us,
Using Art to connect communities
one spirit at a time!
Art has the power to connect us on a deeper level, fostering understanding and empathy among individuals. Through community art projects, Me, You and Us has used art as a social practice as a transformative tool for spiritual growth and community engagement. Through creative expression, we aim to inspire introspection and meaningful conversations that resonate with our deeper connection
Since 2017, through community art projects, Me, You, and Us has created creative bridges in various communities. This project was initially started in collaboration with my dear friend Susan Bressette of Golden Eagle Elders Lodge in Kettle & Stony Point. Susan and I want to create a community of compassion for First Nations People and "all our relations," including all nations, for the future of our grandchildren.
Many organizations followed this lead to create more connections. Ausable Community Centre of Port Franks, Lambton Heritage Museum, Aajmjiwnaang First Nations, and Caldwell First Nations, to name only a few of the participants in these community art projects. The list of supporters is extensive, using the power of art as a social practice to connect and inspire individuals and create new-formed communities, understanding, and connection.
Coincidentally, these Me, You and Us projects share similar goals to the mandates of truth and reconciliation.
Call to Action 83, "We call upon the Canada Council of Arts to establish as a funding priority a strategy for Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists to undertake collaborative projects and produce works that contribute to the reconciliation process."
Community art projects have included many varied events, Art Exhibits, Intuitive Energy workshops, Poetry readings, presentations, youth art projects, youth art exhibits, art package deliveries, and First Nation-led drumming events.
Included in these projects are two extensive travelling art shows with artwork done by facilitator & artist Suellen Evoy-Oozeer of 40 spirit portraits of participants over two exhibits: 2019 Me, You and Us and 2024 S.H.E.is Healing.
The artwork was donated to the participants after the exhibitions were complete, to show appreciation for their support.
There have been many financial supporters, including Lambton Creative County, Ontario Art Council, RBC Royal Bank of Canada, Lambton Heritage Museum, WEOHT Indigenous Engagement program, and private donations.
Also, many donations in kind, locations, food, and infinite kindness...Much Gratitude for all supporters & participants.
"S.H.E. is Healing"
Spirit, Humanity & Earth
is
Healing
Me, You & Us
with Art,
Creating
Community
Connections
Understanding
&
LOVE
Using the healing energy of art,
through workshops and events to create
compassionate connections,
with self, communities and Mother Earth.
Me,You & Us.
