Jennifer Brown is a local Métis woman who has lived in Prince Albert all of her life but whose roots date back to the historical Métis Red River settlement. The daughter of Mervyn and AnnaLou, Jennifer’s interest in art began with the encouragement of her mother, who provided her with many outlets to let her creative energy soar.  Her dad would then take her sketches and inventions and proudly show them off to others.  Surrounded by artists most of her life, Jennifer had the opportunity to attend a conference in Vancouver where she met a lady from Manitoba who taught her to bead.  “It became a quick obsession”, Jennifer explains, “I draw the image and the beads were the colour.  At first I was making moss bags because it was something I could do with my mom; I would do the beading and she would do the sewing for me.”  What a wonderful way for two generations to connect and work towards rebuilding lost traditions.  And a third generation benefitted when Jennifer was able to make a moss bag for her newborn niece.

Jennifer was drawn to pointillism because people in Prince Albert expressed interest in Christie Belcourt’s work but they couldn’t afford to own it.  Jennifer decided it was a niche she could fill and she found she quite enjoys it.  She says, “for me, pointillism is a means to find the quiet in a busy world – I can just shut out all the noises and focus on one dot at a time; it’s a form of relaxation and rejuvenation for my soul.”  Eventually, Jennifer is interested in becoming an illustrator, publishing books written by her sister, Amanda.  Family is Jennifer’s true inspiration.  She shared that after her Mom’s passing, she didn’t want to paint or do any type of art her heart was so broken.  Then the first Christmas without her Mom was approaching and she felt she’d like to do something special for her siblings.  She began playing with her inks and a bear outline made her think of her mother and the amazing woman she was.  That is the piece that inspired Jennifer to draw again.  Her first piece of pointillism after her Mom’s passing also reflects family as her inspiration.  It is a “representation of my family through birds – because my Mom whistled like a bird and my Métis roots is my Bird family.”  

Mentors include Leah Dorion, Bonnie Novotny, Jenn Sinclair and “anyone in the art world who is willing to try” because “when they put in that personal effort and pull the art from their very soul I admire that, I admire their effort and willingness to be honest with what they are creating.”  Jennifer’s advice to artists is “to be content with who you are and the art you make.  All art comes from somewhere else or can be tied to another artist but the finished piece is what you’ve created; make it your own and be proud that you finished something.”    

Jennifer does commissions but only in very special circumstances.  She works full time and she is currently in school, completing her Master’s degree in Education.  She says when life slows down she’d be more open to working on commissioned pieces and creating pieces to have her own show.  She does teach beading and pointillism as time allows her to.  If you’re interested in seeing Jennifer’s work, it is available to be seen at GP Carlson Gallery on Central Avenue in Prince Albert.  Otherwise, feel free to contact Jennifer directly via email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.