Otipemisiwak – Between Two Worlds:

Sherry Leigh Williams was a self-taught, award-winning artist before returning to further education in 2001 and graduating with a three-year diploma from Victoria College of Art. She entered University of Victoria in 2004, intending to complete her program and become an arts professor. An unfortunate accident left her with a debilitating condition, and a brain injury. She persevered and finally graduated in 2019 with Distinction from the University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Fine Art. Williams is highly creative, multi-facetted artist, she loves to connect with the “’muse” and approaches her work that way. She often paints in what she calls “The Métis Floral tradition” emulating the beadwork of her ancestors. She approaches the style, in a contemporary way with paint, instead of beads. In the spirit of reconciliation this is some of her most important work. Creating art is intrinsic to who I am, and who Creator made me to be. Whether I am painting, making jewelry, or writing, when I work, I feel such joy and connection. I love the journey of discovery, the dance with the muse, the not always knowing the outcome, but proceeding anyway. I have done many things in my life, to feed my children, to pay bills, but always came back to creativity, for joy, for connection to Spirit, and to raise awareness about Indigenous people. As a child, art supplies, were not in abundance. My heart would race at the sight of a new package of crayons, or a piece of white paper. If none could be found, I would sneak the white page from my father’s hardcover books, so I could draw. If I couldn’t find a pencil, I used his rifle shells. I was obsessed with drawing. In my school years, every margin in my notebooks was filled with drawing. I was self-taught artist, before returning to further education to pursue my dream of being a professor as an adult learner in 2001. I spent three years at Victoria College of Art, four years at University of Victoria where I graduated with Distinction eleven years after I started my program, due to a brain injury. Art making helped me discover who I am, and in the process, helped me heal. Art is medicine, and healing in and of itself. When I work, I feel whole, and connected to spirit and to my ancestors. I can process difficult things, much easier when working. My goal is always, to connect to my Creator, my culture, my ancestors and to offer what I have to others.