Toronto-based Nishinaabe artist Mel Bartel believes that all art is healing and therapeutic. It doesn’t matter if you are viewing it or creating it, the effects are the same.
She is known for her expressive and intuitive ability to capture emotion, personality and spirit with paint & mixed-media on wood cradled panels. She studied art at Claude Watson School for the Arts in Toronto and at OCAD briefly.
Mel grew up on the Manitoba prairies in a Mennonite family. When she learned she’d been given up for adoption by a single Ojibway mom from Lac Seul First Nation, she began exploring her Nishinaabe roots. She continues that journey to this day and knows it will be a life-long journey of discovery. Mel met her birth-mother in her 20’s and keeps in touch with her. Recently, she connected with her half brother and cousins. In 2019, Mel received her Nishinaabe Name, Nendowaamjiget ~ which translates to "Seeker" in English. Mel is Wolf Clan.
Following a successful career as a graphic designer, Mel has returned to expressive art and beading as her primary outlets.
She is known for her expressive and intuitive ability to capture emotion, personality and spirit with paint & mixed-media on wood cradled panels. She studied art at Claude Watson School for the Arts in Toronto and at OCAD briefly.
Mel grew up on the Manitoba prairies in a Mennonite family. When she learned she’d been given up for adoption by a single Ojibway mom from Lac Seul First Nation, she began exploring her Nishinaabe roots. She continues that journey to this day and knows it will be a life-long journey of discovery. Mel met her birth-mother in her 20’s and keeps in touch with her. Recently, she connected with her half brother and cousins. In 2019, Mel received her Nishinaabe Name, Nendowaamjiget ~ which translates to "Seeker" in English. Mel is Wolf Clan.
Following a successful career as a graphic designer, Mel has returned to expressive art and beading as her primary outlets.
CURRENT & PAST ART SERIES
SACRED SERIES |
HOPE SERIES |
SHELTER SERIES |
BIG CHICKEN |
WORKSHOPS / MERCHANDISE / BLOG
WORKSHOPS |
"MERCH" STORE |
MY BLOG |
WHERE TO FIND MY WORK
DUNBAR GALLERY |
STUDIO VISIT |
