artist bio
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 Ontario College of Art & Design.
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 2018, Mel received her Nishinaabe name, colors and Clan.
Following a successful career as a graphic designer, Mel has returned to expressive art as her primary focus.
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 Ontario College of Art & Design.
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 2018, Mel received her Nishinaabe name, colors and Clan.
Following a successful career as a graphic designer, Mel has returned to expressive art as her primary focus.
HOPE SERIES (2017-PRESENT)
Everyone enjoys and needs Hope – it’s what keeps us going. Hope for a new job, hope to find love, hope to travel, hope to make the end of the month payments, and so on. And when we lose Hope our spirits sink. My intention with this series is to share my Hope with all of you – Hope for a better world, Hope for every being to feel the breeze and warmth of the sun. Hope to smile on a new day. Click here to see more.
Everyone enjoys and needs Hope – it’s what keeps us going. Hope for a new job, hope to find love, hope to travel, hope to make the end of the month payments, and so on. And when we lose Hope our spirits sink. My intention with this series is to share my Hope with all of you – Hope for a better world, Hope for every being to feel the breeze and warmth of the sun. Hope to smile on a new day. Click here to see more.
BIG CHICKEN SERIES (2017-PRESENT)
Ever since I was a child I have been drawn to Chickens. Not only are they smart and quirky, but they’re also incredibly beautiful. Each Chicken has its own personality and name. I love my Chickens. Click here to see more.
Ever since I was a child I have been drawn to Chickens. Not only are they smart and quirky, but they’re also incredibly beautiful. Each Chicken has its own personality and name. I love my Chickens. Click here to see more.
YOU CAN FIND MY WORK AT:
OCTOBER 3, 2018
Timeraiser is an auction where attendees bid volunteer time, not dollars, for original art. In addition to supporting emerging artists (each work of art is purchased at market price), Timeraiser aims to foster and celebrate volunteerism in local communities.
Timeraiser is an auction where attendees bid volunteer time, not dollars, for original art. In addition to supporting emerging artists (each work of art is purchased at market price), Timeraiser aims to foster and celebrate volunteerism in local communities.
12 Collingwood St. Flesherton ON • info@dunbargallery.com
790 Queen Street East, Toronto, ON
MONDAY/TUESDAY: 12-5PM
WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY/FRIDAY: 11-6PM
SATURDAY/SUNDAY: 11-6PM
MONDAY/TUESDAY: 12-5PM
WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY/FRIDAY: 11-6PM
SATURDAY/SUNDAY: 11-6PM
