Garnet Tobacco

Garnet Tobacco, a Cree artist, was born on February 6th, 1964 in Moose Lake, Manitoba. The Buffalo is his family crest symbol. Garnet, a prolific talent, has been painting for over twenty years and occasionally sculpts in soapstone and wood. He apprenticed under Isaac Bignell, a prominent artist, whose friendship and style of work continues to influence Tobacco’s work. Although Bignell has passed away, Tobacco has preserved the style of his friend to keep his identity alive for many more people to be able to understand and appreciate. Fluid lines, soft earthy tones against simple stylized backgrounds are all characteristics of his work and the reflection of Bignell’s influence. He often paints bison, herons, eagles, and hawks, common to the plains, but he also depicts the water world with his salmon, whales and turtles, and those creatures of flight, butterflies, hummingbirds and loons. Garnet works can be found in private collections throughout Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Australia, U.S.A and Canada, and he has exhibited at the Art Expo in Calgary.