Jay Bell Redbird is an Ojibway First Nation self-taught artist. Growing up, he was influenced by and painted together with world-renowned artists such as Norval Morrisseau, his uncle Leland Bell and his father Duke Redbird. As a teenager, Norval Morrisseau taught Jay about colours and their meanings and how they relate to Aboriginal language, history and culture. Jay’s uncle Leland Bell showed him techniques and shared traditional teachings and stories, explaining the meanings of the animal spirits. His father Duke Redbird taught him how to express his pride as an Aboriginal artist. Following those forming years, he continued to paint, learning more and finding his own voice in stories and visions that he shared through his paintings. They are vibrant in colours, stories and meanings. Jay has collectors in Germany, Scotland, Czech Republic, England, USA and China. In Canada he has collectors in various universities, colleges, schools, daycares, in films and magazines. He also sold many paintings to Holywood actors as he worked in the film industry in Toronto for 8 years. Many actors encouraged him to rather pursue his painting carrier, as they saw Jay’s talent. He met Rolf Bouman in 2012 and has become a mentor for many of the Aboriginal artist of the Friends United initiative. He also has collaborated on some pantings with his partner Halina Stopyra and Rolf Bouman.
