Meet The Artist
David Albert is the lead Aboriginal Métis artist at Anne Mulaire. His one-of-a-kind artwork encapsulates, not only the craft of storytelling of indigenous culture, but it also extends a unique blend of design elements, that is both enchanting and creative, to the observer's eye.
Born and raised in Fisher Branch Manitoba, David found his passion through teaching art while pursuing his love for nature. He later went on to become an art consultant for the Manitoba Department of Education and helped establish the Métis Student Association at the Université de Saint-Boniface. He is also the co-founder of the Elzéar-Goulet Local, the only French-speaking Métis Local under the governance of the MMF.
David have also been involved in many community organizations such as, member of the Board of Heritage Winnipeg, Chair of the Youville Diabetes Centre, founder & President of Héritage Saint-Boniface, was actively involved in the Festival du Voyageur as past Official Voyageur and was proud to serve Board of Governors for the Manito Ahbee Festival Inc.
His contributions and commitment to his community and artwork have made him an integral part of Anne Mulaire’s strong heritage-inspired and eco-conscious brand.
Prairie Pride Flower
The homeland of the "Flower Beadwork People" is the Red River Métis Nation. Andréanne’s Métis ancestor, Catherine Mulaire, left samples of her embroidery in a style made of tiny sinuous flowers, long leaves, and tendrils. The flowers were often rosettes, layered in shades of red and pink. Métis artist David Albert transformed these tiny sinuous flowers into a very bold design symbolizing the new-found pride that theRed River Métis boldly display.
Catherine's Vine
The Grey Nuns first introduced silk embroidery to the Red River Métis in 1844. Métis women used silk embroidery to decorate their clothing. They established a mission school in Ile-à-La Crosse where Catherine was born. Andréanne’s Métis ancestor Catherine, embroidered in the « Lake Winnipeg small flower style ». This style was generally made up of tiny sinuous flowers, long leaves, and tendrils. The flowers were often rosettes, layered in shades of reds and pinks. From samples of Catherine’s embroidery, still owned by her family, Andréanne was inspired to create the design she calls Catherine’s Vine.
La Flèche
The Métis people helped shape the Canada of today, mainly in terms of the expansion of the west. The Métis became the link between the First Nations and their European allies, assisted by their wives who translated the native languages and helped resolve any cultural issues that arose. Métis Artist David Albert created this arrow (Flèche) to pay tribute to the trading activities between the Métis and First Nations people . The Métis were, in fact, astute business people. The flower represents the Métis, also known as the "flower beadwork people," and the arrow represents the First Nations and the connection between them.
Northern Willow print
The Aboriginal people used the bark of the willow to relieve pain and fever. They chewed or boiled a tea from the willow's leaves or inner bark to relieve fever or other minor pain like toothaches, headaches, or arthritis. The willow is often given the nickname "toothache tree".
Modern medicine has discovered that willow bark contains the medicinal extract, salicin, or salicylic acid (salix is Latin for willow). This chemical is the active ingredient in common aspirin. David Albert, a Métis artist, selected this important element of nature to create this design.
Spirit of The North
Celebrating First Nations, Inuit, and Métis (FNIM) Indigenous peoples in Canada, David Albert created The Spirit of The North to create unity with all our people.
The Aboriginal Plains people used Eagle feathers in ceremonies as a symbol of respect and healing. In the Indigenous culture, the Eagle is the symbol of Love in the Seven Sacred Teachings.
To the Inuit people, the Polar Bear is regarded as the embodiment of the spirit of the North, an animal that possesses ancient wisdom.
In true Métis fashion, David Albert captured the beauty and essence of both, using the bold Haida style in his design to pay homage to his Indigenous West Coast cousins. We are proud to walk tall with our cousin nations and want to keep sharing all our people's beautiful story with you.
Catherine’s Vine embroidery
The Grey Nuns first introduced silk embroidery to the Red River Métis in 1844. Métis women used silk embroidery to decorate their clothing. They established a mission school in Ile-à-La Crosse where Catherine was born. Andréanne’s Métis ancestor Catherine, embroidered in the « Lake Winnipeg small flower style ». This style was generally made up of tiny sinuous flowers, long leaves, and tendrils. The flowers were often rosettes, layered in shades of reds and pinks. From samples of Catherine’s embroidery, still owned by her family, Andréanne was inspired to create the design she calls Catherine’s Vine.
The Red River Floral Embroidery
Representing harmony and pride, The Red River Floral was derived from traditional floral beadwork which is distinctively ‘Métis’. The Métis were known as the ‘Flower Beadwork People’. This print was created by David Albert, a Métis artist from Winnipeg who merged European floral designs with The Red River traditional flower (center one) which creates a connection between culture and earth.
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