BIOGRAPHY:
Shoshana L. Wilson proudly identifies as a second-generation First Nations artist. Her upbringing was deeply rooted in the Secwépemc community, where she was immersed in the rich cultural heritage of her ancestors. Her familial ties also extended to Kitamaat Village, within the Haisla Nation, where her father, Barry Wilson, originates from. Growing up in these diverse environments provided her with a profound appreciation for the interconnectedness of indigenous cultures and inspired the artistic path she now pursues.
Her father, Barry Wilson, is a respected artist within the West Coast First Nations community. His creative endeavours have served as a constant source of inspiration for Shoshana’s own indigenous artwork, instilling in her a deep sense of pride and a desire to continue their cultural legacy through artistic expression. Recognizing her dedication and potential, she was honored to receive the Artist Grant from the Haisla Nation Council, enabling her to delve deeper into the exploration of her cultural identity through art.
As a multidisciplinary artist, Shoshana finds herself drawn to various mediums and techniques to convey her artistic vision. From the traditional mediums of oil and acrylic paint to the modern realm of digital painting and sculpting, she embraces the versatility that each offers in bringing her ideas to life. Her journey into digital art began during a video production course, where she was introduced to the endless possibilities offered by digital tools. Since then, she has enthusiastically immersed herself in experimenting with different programs and refining techniques.
One particular aspect of digital art that captivated her interest is 3D animation. The ability to create immersive, dynamic worlds through animation has always fascinated Shoshana, fuelling her ambition to explore its intricacies further. Through self-directed learning, she has taken it upon herself to master the use of 3D software, laying the groundwork for her aspirations to one day produce her own cartoons. While she is eager to expand her knowledge and skills through formal education, she is committed to honing her craft independently, ensuring that she is well-equipped to realize her creative aspirations.
ARTIST STATEMENT: TOBY & SEBASTIAN (3D ANIMATION):
This project aims to explore the process of creating a 3D animation, with the intention of showcasing funny and cute characters inspired by real-life fur friends. Throughout the creation of this animation, I will undertake tasks such as character designing, storyboarding, 3D character sculpting, character rigging, animation, recording and editing sound dialogues, as well as texture and color application. “Toby & Sebastian” stands as an ambitious project, and I am continuously learning as I progress.
The inspiration behind this endeavor stems from years of enjoying animated cartoons and harboring a curiosity about the behind-the-scenes mechanics of animation. While I have long held an interest in this field, I never previously imagined myself capable of creating such work. Upon discovering Blender, I embarked on a journey of self-teaching to master its usage. Additionally, I enrolled in film history and film research courses to complement my degree, with the knowledge gained being applicable to crafting my own 3D short films.
The narrative revolves around Toby’s quest to find his friend Sebastian. With the intention of focusing on the creative process rather than an intricate storyline, I aimed to keep the video brief, spanning only a few minutes. I have learned so much and hope to continue my journey with 3D animation.
ARTIST STATEMENT: OCTOPUS STEALS A SIGN:
Creating the “Octopus Steals a Sign” was a challenging project that pushed me to work on a larger scale and incorporate a 3D component as I escape the confines of a square canvas. This painting served as my exploration of my cultural First Nations background with a comedic touch. Among all the designs inherited from my dad, the octopus has always been my favorite. Westcoast artwork is intended to convey the power and beauty of our people, and I sought to add an extra layer to this narrative. With the addition of the sign, the narrative takes on a different, more humorous dimension.
After researching octopi, I found them to be fascinating creatures with remarkable intelligence and adeptness at completing tasks. I aimed to capture their attributes in this piece by depicting them stealing a sign that was once securely fastened to a post. This act also raises the question of why they stole the sign in the first place.
I believe that this artwork would make an intriguing addition to a swimming area, such as a beach, serving as a fun visual for people enjoying the water.
