Illustrations | Inidigenous Initiatives

Site Illustrations by Portia Chapman

About Portia Chapman

Portia “Po” Chapman is a local Canadian born, award-winning, contemporary artist reclaiming her Indigenous Ancestry. Po is a graduate of the Queen’s University Bachelor of Fine Art Honours program (Visual Art / Indigenous Studies) and recipient of the 2019 Graduation Visual Art Award. She is a multidisciplinary artist pursuing a teaching career focusing on Visual Arts and First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Studies. Po’s “My Creation” is featured on the cover of the inaugural edition of the Queen’s ASUS Journal of Indigenous Studies. As a child from rural Ontario, she grew up playing in the forest and listening to the sounds of nature.

Portia's website

[photo of Portia]

About the Artwork

The illustrations represent words or concepts that speak to Indigenous "Ways of Knowing.” Po’s metaphorical artworks are hopeful, inspirational pieces that celebrate the unity and beauty of Creation. This artwork explores aspects of the Seven Grandfather Teachings with symbolism representative of Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabek, Metis and Inuit significance with underlying themes of honour, bravery and peace depicted within the images.

We are very appreciative and grateful to Portia for the beautiful art creations that adorn our site.

Note: Please note that these images are the property of the Office of Indigenous Initiatives and intended for OII use only. To request temporary use of images, please contact the office.